Christmas is upon us, and with it the perils of office parties. Unfortunately, for some staff, the combination of free alcohol and work jollys can be fatal. In the aftermath of Christmas, employment solicitors up and down the land will find themselves advising organisations on what to do with over-amorous and tipsy staff at parties who went too far with their colleagues at the Christmas do. On more than one occasion sometimes quite senior staff and with a hitherto unblemished record have had to leave their jobs after complaints arising from such parties.
Acts committed at work Christmas parties are likely to be deemed to be in the course of employment and therefore employers can be vicariously liable for the behaviour of their staff at parties. Equal Opportunities policies should be applied as in any other work setting.
Businesses will be reluctant to go around give warnings about what behaviour is deemed to be unacceptable in advance of parties, though a subtle reminder not to get too 'merry' may well be sensible. It would also be a good idea to ensure that one or two managers keep a clear head and carefully monitor the behaviour of staff and intervene early if at all possible before any unwelcome situations escalate out of hand. It may also be a good idea to ensure that not too much free alcohol is available.
James Carmody
RECULVER SOLICITORS
Tel: 0207 324 6271 Fax: 0207 477 2276 info@reculversolicitors.co.uk
12-16 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1M 5PQ*
www.reculversolicitors.co.uk www.compromise-agreement.net
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