News & Updates
Employment Briefing - December 2014. The Christmas Party Issue
Published byMartin Stephen
Our final Employment Briefing of 2014 takes a light-hearted human resources and employment overview of that perennial source of amusement – the staff Christmas party.
Under the humour though, is some very good advice.
The 10 Rules of Christmas
1. Employees sometimes do stupid stuff. At Christmas time and otherwise.
2. Just deal with it.
3. Resist the urge to worry too much about vicarious liability, discrimination and constructive dismissal. Although it is probably a good idea not to put any mistletoe up in the office.
4. Resist the urge to write any sort of policy.
5. Resist the urge to put any sort of disclaimer about behaviour in any Christmas party related literature. If someone wants to punch Bob from Accounts on the dance floor after 12 pints of beer then they will do it anyway. See points 1 and 2.
6. Resist the urge to write special rules about absence from work after social events. See point 2.
7. Apply Christmas common sense.
8. Avoid sprouts in an office environment at all times. This is especially important in small or poorly ventilated offices.
9. Never, ever, buy Secret Santa presents from Ann Summers.
10. Enjoy yourself. Put a tree up. Eat some Quality Street. Wear a Christmas jumper and get into the spirit of things. It doesn’t hurt . . . honestly.
Remember, if your staff Christmas party does go slightly partridge in a pear tree shaped, we’re here to help.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
The WJM Employment Team
The 10 Rules of Christmas was created by Gemma Reucroft and used with her permission. Her blog can be read here.
The information contained in this newsletter is for general guidance only and represents our understanding of relevant law and practice as at December 2014. Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP cannot be held responsible for any action taken or not taken in reliance upon the contents. Specific advice should be taken on any individual matter. Transmissions to or from our email system and calls to or from our offices may be monitored and/or recorded for regulatory purposes. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: 302 St Vincent Street, Glasgow, G2 5RZ. A limited liability partnership registered in Scotland, number SO 300336.
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Get in touch employment@wjm.co.uk Martin and the team can help.
