Employer warning over Christmas party responsibilities
Mon, 26 Oct 2009
Employers should make staff aware of their behavioural responsibilities ahead of the company Christmas party, it has been suggested.
Ben Wilmott, senior public policy adviser for the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, explained that employers are still responsible for employees' actions during such events and therefore have a duty of care for them.
It is important that employees understand that unacceptable behaviour is likely to lead to disciplinary action, as is the case during normal work time, he noted.
The comments follow the release of a statement by legal firm Dickinson Dees UK, warning that employers could face compensation claims if they fail to protect themselves ahead of office Christmas parties.
Mr Wilmott agreed that it is possible for employers to fall foul of the law if incidents of sexual harassment or other discrimination take place.
"Employers need to remind staff of their responsibilities before the Christmas party just to make sure those sorts of issues hopefully don't arise," he added.
He said there had been plenty of cases where staff have lost their job after an office party, so it is an important issue for both employers and employees to consider.
According to Little Bays Restaurants, 33 per cent of firms have already confirmed a date and location for their festive celebration.
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