So it is the morning after the big night at the Christmas party all is calm, all is bright … and half of the workforce doesn’t turn up!
Where it is not possible to have the Christmas party on a Friday night, you will need to remind employees that they are expected to attend work on time the following day unless they have booked it as holiday in the usual way.
Where employees fail to turn up to work (and do not have a valid reason), the employer may be able to refuse or deduct the appropriate amount of wages, but check the contracts first otherwise it will mean bar ‘humbug.
If the disciplinary policy or the small print in the party invite does not specifically state that lateness or absence the day after the Christmas party may result in disciplinary action, employers should approach any formal action very carefully. Where employers do want to take a firm line on this and it is not specifically set out in the policy, when reminding employees of the standard of behaviour expected, they should state that lateness or absence on the day after the Christmas party may lead to disciplinary action. However, employers still need to proceed with caution as there may be genuine absences or reasons for it and the usual investigation requirements apply.
For help and advice please contact Emma-Louise Hewitt on 0808 166 8827 or email e.hewitt@sydneymitchell.co.uk
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