DIY giant apologises after one of its tools suggests it is so straightforward, even a woman could use it.
Homebase has become the latest UK firm to become embroiled in a row over sexism. The home improvement chain issued an apology after it was revealed that a set of instructions on its own-brand multi-tester tool stated: "Even a woman or child could spot a good or bad bulb or fuse".

Customers who bought the item were infuriated by the remark and, as a result, the retailer has launched an investigation into why the instructions were allowed to make it onto the shelves.

A company spokesman said: "Homebase sincerely apologises for any offence caused by the genuine oversight in the wording on the instructions.

"Homebase stock in the region of 30,000 products in stores and we will be addressing this error with our supplier."

Just last week, garden centre chain Hillier was forced to apologise to customers after a tongue-in-cheek comment in its Christmas brochure about buying a woman a clothesline, had equal rights groups up in arms.

Managers at the centre admitted that the joke, 'make her feel special with a clothesline this Christmas', was "probably ill-advised" after receiving 100 complaints from customers. However, it added that many of the customer complaints were actually of a humourous nature.

Earlier this year, Homepride received hundreds of complaints after the TV advert for its oven cleaner claimed the product was so easy to use, "even a man can do it". However, a ruling by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) stated that the ad was not sexist.