A recent case Nixon versus Ross Coates Solicitors (shouldn’t they know better?!) …An HR manager’s post Christmas party gossip about the paternity of the claimant’s pregnancy amounted to harassment. The firm’s refusal to move the claimant away from the alleged harasser was discriminatory.
An EAT (Employment Appeal Tribunal) later disagreed with some of the tribunal’s findings and reduced the compensation but it’s still a cautionary tale.
Best way around it is to make a very clear statement about what will happen if any fights, abuse – bad behaviour of any kind – occurs at a company social event. We have template statements to give staff if you need them.
