Can a company force staff to attend Christmas Party?

Savvy_Sue

If the OP IS able to get out of this, I would definitely recommend keeping that fact quiet ...

Undervalued

Me2you wrote: »

Or get a sick note for the day, less risky

Oh not that one again! You certainly don't get a dodgy sick note after debating the requirement to attend.

If you insist on going down the off sick route (and no I am not suggesting this!) then you act all enthusiastic and fall ill unexpectedly!

ndf9876

Just to throw a slightly different angle on this; the OP will it seems be travelling on "official company business" outside of normal working hours.

As far as I am aware, travel to somewhere that is not your usual place of work, outside of your normal hours of work, is classed as overtime. I'm sure we are all aware that compuslory overtime is unlawful, ergo, would compulsory attendance not be deemed unlawful?

I would assume that the "right" thing to do would be either to pay overtime, or offer some kind of TOIL.

Comms69

ndf9876 wrote: »

Just to throw a slightly different angle on this; the OP will it seems be travelling on "official company business" outside of normal working hours.

As far as I am aware, travel to somewhere that is not your usual place of work, outside of your normal hours of work, is classed as overtime. I'm sure we are all aware that compuslory overtime is unlawful, ergo, would compulsory attendance not be deemed unlawful?

I would assume that the "right" thing to do would be either to pay overtime, or offer some kind of TOIL.

Why do you think compulsory overtime is unlawful?

ndf9876

Comms69 wrote: »

Why do you think compulsory overtime is unlawful?

https://www.gov.uk/overtime-your-rights/compulsory-overtime

"You only have to work overtime if your contract says so".

I know many contracts have a clause in there about being flexible according to business needs (mine does, but this isn't about me!).

Comms69

ndf9876 wrote: »

https://www.gov.uk/overtime-your-rights/compulsory-overtime

"You only have to work overtime if your contract says so".

I know many contracts have a clause in there about being flexible according to business needs (mine does, but this isn't about me!).

... So it's not unlawful?

ndf9876

Comms69 wrote: »

... So it's not unlawful?

Fair point, re-reading what I wrote is about as clear as mud (you could have just said that ;-) )

What I am driving at though is that unless your contract states it, you are not obliged to do it. The act of working overtime in itself is certainly not a heinous crime, which I appreciate is what I have implied :rotfl:

Of course, if the OP has something in their contract which states "you may occasionally be required to work extra hours to meet the needs of the business" then that's the end of that I guess. Like I said, just trying to look at this from a different angle. If I put myself in the same situation (i.e. personal commitment at 18:00 every Friday) and my employer told me I had to attend a training course, or a seminar, or what have you - I would not reasonably expect to be able to refuse their request. I would however reasonably expect some sort of TOIL or overtime if it were in Birmingham.

Comms69

ndf9876 wrote: »

Fair point, re-reading what I wrote is about as clear as mud (you could have just said that ;-) )

What I am driving at though is that unless your contract states it, you are not obliged to do it. The act of working overtime in itself is certainly not a heinous crime, which I appreciate is what I have implied :rotfl: - Sure. There is a bigger picture. Someone who kicks up a fuss, paints a bullseye on their back.

Of course, if the OP has something in their contract which states "you may occasionally be required to work extra hours to meet the needs of the business" then that's the end of that I guess. Like I said, just trying to look at this from a different angle. If I put myself in the same situation (i.e. personal commitment at 18:00 every Friday) and my employer told me I had to attend a training course, or a seminar, or what have you - I would not reasonably expect to be able to refuse their request. I would however reasonably expect some sort of TOIL or overtime if it were in Birmingham.

I agree in principle. I think for a few hours, once a year - it's just not worth the argument.

steampowered

I would speak to the manager or send them a polite email explaining that you cannot attend the Xmas party, because you must pick up your kisd at 6pm to comply with a court order. Don't leave it open to negotiation - just state that you will not be attending the party and politely explain why not.

I would hope that your manager should be reasonable. You have a pretty good reason for not attending.

The managers are just trying to get attendance as high as possible. They were probably told by their bosses that 10 out of 50 people attending was not good enough.

I doubt they would have a problem with 1 or 2 people not attending if there is an extremely reason why those people can't attend. So long as that does not mean everyone else wriggles out too.

1886

I've never been to a Christmas party. If one was held in work time and compulsory I'd just call in sick. Out of work time, I don't go