The Christmas Party Hangover
Thursday 26th November 2009
Despite the current economic climate, few employers will want to do away with their morale-boosting Christmas party. However, the workplace Christmas party can be an employment law minefield, regardless of how low-key the event as outlined below:
An unwanted Christmas gesture
An employer can be held liable for the actions of an employee, even if the alleged harassment occurs outside of work or is done by a third party. At one Christmas party, a City employee made personal comments to a female colleague. She perceived these comments to be offensive and this resulted in a very expensive out of court settlement to the tune of £1 million.
Employers are therefore reminded to brief employees of the potential consequences of their actions..
For more information about how employers can minimise these risks, please contact Cheryl Gowdie at Buzzacott HR Consultancy Service:
+44(0)20 7556 1224