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STAFF PARTIES
Do I need a Christmas party/social event policy?
It’s not necessary to have a separate social event policy. An alternative is to have an employee code of conduct outlining the behaviours expected during work hours or at company events, including the types of behaviour that are unacceptable. Make sure this is communicated to staff before any company event takes place. I would suggest including something in your disciplinary policy that covers employee behaviour at company events.
What are employers liable for?
Employers are vicariously liable (legally responsible) for the acts of their employees carried out ‘in the course of employment’. This can also include time at events organised by the employer that are outside of normal working hours and off company premises. The Court of Appeal recently found an employer to be vicariously liable for the actions of one of its employees following a staff Christmas party (see Case studies).
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