Dear Sirs – are we missing the point?

A campaign to eradicate the use of “Dear Sirs” in correspondence is gaining momentum with an online petition launched on 1^st October gathering over 1500 signatures.

The petition has been launched by Ellie Rees, founding director of estate agency Brickworks, who tells Today’s Conveyancer the origins of her frustrations start 10 years ago when, having founded the business with her husband, she began receiving correspondence addressed “Dear Sirs” from other professionals in the property sector.

The issue, says Rees, lies in the general acceptance of what is now ‘archaic and sexist’ language. Professionals continue to be taught “Dears Sirs” is an appropriate way to address correspondence and it does not reflect contemporary society says Rees, adding

“Language matters. “It influences power dynamics and shapes culture. To an extent, it defines our very human experience

The topic has been highlighted in recent weeks in the Today’s Conveyancer Diary of a High Street Conveyancer where the author writes

“I was taught that all letters to other firms should always start with ‘Dear Sirs’ and end ‘Yours faithfully’. Letters to clients and others who were known to me would be written ‘ Dear Jane/John (insert favourite client’s name)’ and end ‘Yours sincerely’.”

A Today’s Conveyancer LinkedIn poll published last week asked the question “Is it still appropriate to address correspondence, whether by email or post, Dear Sirs?” resulted in 48% of 170 respondents indicating it is still appropriate, and 52% saying it isn’t.

And for Rees the results speak to the heart of this issue

“Sadly the results of the poll are not wholly surprising. Dear Sirs is considered appropriate because that’s what we’re told and taught. Like many small customs of industry, it is so established that we don’t even notice it anymore.

In real estate, women hold over 50% of positions in the UK, but the gender pay gap is 31%. Board representation is the worst of any FTSE sector, and gender discrepancy between middle management and senior leadership has worsened since 2016. While the statistics may vary, these trends are replicated in many other sectors across the UK. This doesn’t happen in a vacuum.”

Comments on the various articles and social media posts on the topic range from dismissive

“Live with it, suck it up and put your own houses in order rather than moan about something so petty. Worry about the content of the communication rather than the header?”

To supportive; “it’s a no brainer” writes one contributor to the poll. “The world has moved on and it’s very easy to be more appropriate just write. ‘Dear all’ adds another; with a third saying “I see no valid argument in favour of using an exclusionary term in this day and age.”

So why can’t we move on? Why do we persist with alienating half of society with the stroke of the keyboard?

Society’s evolving understanding of gender norms reflects a broader commitment to inclusivity and respect for individual identities. Traditional greetings like “dear sirs,” once widely accepted, now feel outdated in an era that values gender-neutral language and seeks to acknowledge all people beyond binary labels.

As we move forward, adapting our language and perspectives not only creates more inclusive spaces but also fosters a sense of belonging for everyone. Embracing these changes is about more than just words; it’s about reshaping norms to reflect the diverse world we live in, paving the way for a more equitable and understanding society.

The change.org petition can be found here