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Home | Employers urged to review party policies
Employers urged to review party policies
11 December 2008
With office parties in full swing and police anti-drink drive campaigns underway, employers should review what they tell employees intent on enjoying themselves.
We have already seen employers questioned by the police following road traffic accidents that happened after office parties.
So what should responsible employers do? We suggest best practice would be to:
- Make sure you have a policy on work-related social events, and that managers brief employees about acceptable standards of behaviour and the disciplinary consequences of a breach of the rules; in particular, that they should not drink and drive.
- Follow up management advice with a company-wide email or other form of written communication.
- Ensure non-alcoholic drinks are available, and consider limiting the amount of complimentary drinks.
- If the event is off-site, consider providing transport to and from the venue.
- Alternatively, provide details of reputable, registered taxi companies or public transport to get people home. Also give guidance on the dangers of travelling alone late at night.
- Monitor events during the evening, and consider appointing supervisors to ensure car keys are removed from anyone who appears the worse for wear.
- Provide details of overnight accommodation at hotels or B&Bs.
- Consider giving people the following morning off if the event is mid-week, to prevent them travelling to work the morning after. They may still be above the legal limit for alcohol in their blood.
- Explain to employees how a driving-related charge/ban could affect their employment.
These steps can help ensure people have a good time - safely - while helping to cut alcohol-related road traffic incidents and - even better - accidents.
© Shoosmiths. This page is for general information: it is not legal advice. Please read our full terms and conditions for details of the disclaimers and exclusions which apply.
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