Devon County Branch of UNISON
"Language is constantly developing and some words which used to be the accepted norm no longer are. Different individuals also have different views and what is acceptable to one may not be acceptable to others. For example, thirty years ago the term "coloured" was commonly regarded as less offensive than "black". Nowadays, however, "Black" is used not as a description of skin colour but as a political term which refers to a whole range of people of different ethnic origins who share a common experience of racial discrimination in Britain. Consequently the term "coloured", which has very specific associations with the Apartheid regime in South Africa, is now less acceptable and should generally be avoided (although some individuals may still prefer to be identified by this term). Generally people won't object to you asking them how they would wish to be described, so if in doubt, check it out with the individuals concerned. "
Taken from
This website.