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2 December 2005 - TUC RoSPA ACAS Christmas
Party Advice
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The Trades Union Congress (TUC), Royal Society for the
Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration
Service (ACAS) have released advice to organisations,
in order to help Christmas parties run smoothly and make it a happy Christmas
experience for all.
The TUC and RoSPA have produced a Christmas Safety Guide Office
Party Planner, which holds lots of good advice for a safe Christmas party
A few are listed below, but there is much more advice from their guide:
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Decorations - Use a stepladder to hang. Never stand
on swivel chairs. Keep away from anything which may cause a fire.
Don't obscure emergency exit signs.
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Christmas Tree Lights - Make sure they meet modern safety
standards. Make sure they are turned off before leaving premises.
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Party Balloons - Remember they can cause severe reactions
to those who are allergic to latex. Also "popping" of balloons can cause
problems for people who may have heart disease.
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Christmas Trees - Over 1,000 people were injured by
Christmas trees in 2002. Make sure they are in a safe place, securely
based with no cables in which people could trip over.
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Don't Discriminate - Remember not everyone will celebrate
Christmas. Don't pressurise such people into joining in the fun.
They could well feel left out. Be sensitive towards their beliefs.
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Safety Representatives - Inform them of your plans.
They are of great assistance in making sure your party is memorable for happy
reasons.
The TUC RoSPA Christmas Safety Guide Office Party Planner in a
small pdf format can be accessed by clicking the following:
TUC/RoSPA
Christmas safety guide Office Party Planner
ACAS receive hundreds of calls in the aftermath of Christmas
parties and say if companies prepare and look at potential problems now, then
many problems and tribunals arising from Christmas parties can be avoided.
The "Happy Christmas Party" advice given to companies by ACAS is
in the form of a question and answer list as follows:
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Q - What if an employee who has clearly drunk too much at
the office Christmas party is planning to drive home. It's not your
responsibility is it?
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A - Wrong. As an employer you have a 'duty of care'
for your employees. So as it's the company's party you need to take some
responsibility. Think about travel arrangements and maybe end the party before
public transport stops running. Or provide the phone numbers for local
registered cab companies and encourage employees to use them.
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Q - How can you make sure people don't get too
drunk and fail to turn up for work the day after the party?
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A - Make sure there are plenty of non-alcoholic drinks
and enough food. Before the party, ensure that all staff are aware that
disciplinary action could be taken if they fail to turn up for work and there is
reason to believe it is due to too much booze.
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Q - What if an employee suffers verbal abuse about being
gay at the local pub before the party - it's not on work premises so it's a
matter for them isn't it?
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A - Wrong. Going to the pub before the office party
counts as an extension of work and so all the laws covering discrimination still
apply. Make sure the company has policies in place on bullying and
harassment and discrimination and that everyone knows what they are.
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Q - What if you can't afford to pay a Christmas bonus
this year although you have paid it for the last ten years. Employees will
be disappointed, but there's no problem with the law is there?
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A - Wrong. Even though the bonus is discretionary,
staff can argue that ithas become contractual through custom and practice.
Before deciding not to pay, tell staff why you feel unable to pay it and try to
agree a solution. For example, you could offer to pay a proportion of the
bonus or stagger payments in the next few months. Or you could offer to
pay the drinks bill at the Christmas party!
Rita Donaghy, Acas Chairperson said:
"If companies have policies and procedures in place which cover the key
issues like discipline and grievance, bullying and harassment, discrimination
and absence they are in a much better position to handle these sorts of issues
which can happen at any time, not just at Christmas.
"Our helpline staff are very broad-minded and with many year's
experience of giving advice on employment relations the chances are they have
heard it before. So if you do have any employment relations queries give them
a call. I'm confident they will be able to help.
"But don't let potential hazards put you off organising something for
Christmas. Staff will feel valued if you treat them right. Think about asking
them what they want to do and ask for suggestions on how to cater for any
problems upfront."
Further information can be accessed from the ACAS website by clicking the
following:
ACAS
Website
Please take the time to access and read these guidelines and make sure
your Christmas party goes without mishaps.
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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