Clapping has been replaced with “jazz hands” at a student union, amid fears that the noise of applause could trigger anxiety among some students.

Whooping is also discouraged at Manchester University student union events on the basis that the loud noise may be a problem for those with sensory issues.

The use of “jazz hands” - where students wave their hands in the air - is the British Sign Language expression for applause and is deemed a more inclusive gesture.

At the student union’s first union meeting of the year, Manchester’s liberation and access officer Sara Khan argued that the traditional applause was not sufficiently “accessible” to all students.

The student union resolved to swap out audible clapping in favour of “jazz hands”, and to “encourage student groups and societies to do the same”. The ’ union also plans to make “BSL clapping part of inclusion training” for new students.

The motion, which was passed by the student’s senate with little opposition, notes that “loud noises including whooping and traditional applause can pose an issue for students with disabilities such as anxiety or sensory issues”.