To find the term "economically inactive" offensive?

[cheapskatemum]

It was the only option that fitted my current status as regards employment on a form. I'm not in paid employment as we can manage on OH's income, have 4 DSs & one of them has severe SN. I don't even mind being called a housewife, but "economically inactive"?!!! If I wasn't a SAHM, there's no way OH could do what he does. (logs off to prevent steam emitting from ears misting up windows)

YABU. Some people seem to take offence at anything these days!

So use "Not in paid employment and not seeking it".

It's not that "economically inactive" is offensive - it's thats it's frankly incorrect. Many "economically inactive" people are economically active.

I employ people, but am described as economically inactive.

It's particularly bonkers to use the term while promoting The Big Society. The whole concept of which is to take chunks of the economy (libraries, parks, street services, etc) and replace the paid workers by unpaid workers.

Do these chunks now cease to be part of the economy?

That's just it Tianc, it's not only a phrase which can be interpreted as insulting or offensive, it's also not technically correct. Is there anyone who can be classified as economically inactive.

The carer - whether for a parent or child - is saving the country money which would have been spent on outside help or residential help / fees.

The stay at home mum who can afford to do this enables her partner to work more effectively with possibilities of overtime, ie tax generated and work for employer.

Everyone spends money, therefore ploughing it into VAT, industries and services.

Whoever thought up such a phrase to describe a section of community needs to be sacked. It applies to no body at all. Even the unemployed claiming benefits and seeking work spend their money. Stupid, stupid phrase with the ability to create a lot of confusion and resentment.

Agree with the OP

just another dopey politically correct label isnt it

Sorry, misread your post, lesley33.

Categorising people into employed, registered unemployed and not in paid employment, would as you say, fail to fully describe people who are not registered unemployed but may be seeking work anyway.

But they aren't described by "economically inactive" either. So it's hardly an argument for using that term.