Tis the season to be merry...

With the festive season almost upon us most businesses will by now have organised their Christmas party. Paula Matheson, Senior Employment Law Adviser at Empire HR tackles some employment issues that can arise during this time of eating, drinking and getting merry.

Q - I recently overhead a conversation between some of my employees, they were discussing our forthcoming Christmas party. It sounds like they are planning a big night out. We are having our Christmas do at aí bring a party to a partyí event and as some of our clients may well be at the same event whilst I donít want to be a party pooper I am concerned in case anything happens to damage our company reputation.

A - Prior to the Christmas party you should gently remind your employees that when they attend a company event they are still bound by the terms and conditions of their employment and as such should behave appropriately. They are deemed as representing the company.

You should also make them aware that if they do behave inappropriately at the Christmas party then they will be subject to disciplinary action as per the company disciplinary procedures.

Q - Many of my employees have several nights out planned in the run up to Christmas and some of them fall on week nights. Everyone has worked hard throughout the year and I want them to have a good time but I am worried that too much partying might affect their ability to do their jobs.

A - Your employees have an obligation to ensure that they are not under the influence of alcohol when at work and a personal responsibility to ensure that they are fit to attend work and carry out their duties. You should inform your employees that whilst you want them to enjoy the Christmas parties and nights out, that normal terms and conditions of employment apply and if anyone does attend for work under the influence of alcohol that they will be subject to the normal disciplinary procedures, which could result in action up to and including summary dismissal.

Q - This year we held our Christmas party in the middle of November in order to beat the season rush. During the course of the evening, after a couple of glasses of wine, I jokingly made a statement about giving everyone a bonus. I thought at the time that everyone realised that it was a joke but I am beginning to wonder if they are now expecting to see a bonus payment in their December paypacket.

A - Employers should be extremely wary of making any such statements as they can be binding. Although an Employment Tribunal would look at the environment and context in which the statement was made, they could deem it as a legally-binding contractual promise. It is therefore imperative that employers do not make any suggestions or promises in connection with any contractual terms and conditions of employment. It may be advisable for Managers to be reminded of this prior to attending company events in order to ensure that they are fully aware of potential implications.

Empire HR provide commercially focused employment law and HR support service including a telephone advice line, HR Consultancy, employment tribunal insurance and health and safety support for businesses across Scotland. Empire HR can be contacted on 01224 701383 or at www.empirehr.com.