EMPLOYMENT LAW UPDATE

Released On 16th Dec 2024

December….the time of year when the talk in the office is less about sales figures and more about Secret Santa, tinsel and ‘Elf on the Shelf’. Whilst the prospect of gathering colleagues at a festive bash seems like an opportunity to “let loose”, there are still a few considerations employers should be mindful of, as party hosts.

Employers are responsible for the actions of their employees while they are at work, including those occurring during work-related events such as Christmas parties (and, in certain cases, staff-organised ‘after parties’).

The risks for employers are arguably greater this year, following the implementation of the Worker Protection Act on 26 October. As discussed in our recent e-bulletin about the Harrods Scandal, the Act introduced a new duty for employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of their employees in the course of their employment.

So, what can you do to ensure that the only thing inappropriate at your work Christmas party is Brendan from Accounts’ off-key rendition of Jingle Bells?