I’m a legal expert, here’s the five things you should never do at the work Xmas party, one could see you fined £1,000
Share:
Everybody likes to let their hair down at the office Christmas party. It's a time to unwind, celebrate and often share a few drinks to toast the festive period. But sometimes issues crop up once the mulled wine starts flowing and people find some liquid courage.
A study by The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that one in ten workers knows someone facing dismissal or disciplinary action following their behaviour at a company Christmas party. With this in mind, Employment lawyers at Weightmans have detailed their recommendations for the Season so employees and employers can enjoy the festivities while maintaining boundaries and being accountable.
Here's the law firm's top tips. Drinking During Work Hours. In the UK, drinking during work hours is generally prohibited by employers and can result in disciplinary action if disciplinary rules are breached. While there are no specific employment laws against drinking at work, employers enforce these rules to ensure a safe and productive environment and to mitigate discrimination risk.
In serious cases, consuming alcohol during work hours in breach of policies can lead to warnings, suspensions, or even termination. To ensure neither employer nor employee gets into trouble, employers should detail their expectations around the festive period to ensure clarity and maintain productivity.
Drinking Before Working the Next Day. Many Christmas parties are held on midweek days. In fact, Thursdays are now the most popular day of the week for corporate Christmas parties, so it’s important to be aware of the consequences of a heavy night of drinking the morning after.