Can a company force staff to attend Christmas Party?

xapprenticex

This reminds me, where's that person who comes every year complaining about being forced to buy their directors a presents, arranged by the directors wife or something LOL

sangie595

steampowered wrote: »

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.

Much as I can't imagine how bad employer enforced Christmas fun is, if the employer is this bad, I think I'd be asking to see that court order. Because I also don't believe it.

jonnygee2

The real problem is that you are involved in two 'contracts', one with a court and one with the employer, that both have rights over your time. You can't mess with a court, so your best bet is to renege on the contract with your employer.

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 kids 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 think that's the right approach. You have no choice but not to attend so there's no point in opening anything up for negotiation. Just force their hand and they'll have to make a decision, they'll most likely decide it's not worth sacking someone over. And if they do sack you, there's nothing you could have done to prevent it. Rock and a hard place!

Other than this we have single parents who will not be able to find childcare (two are single mothers from the EU with no immediate family here).

Another person has social anxiety and has really worked himself into a frenzy over this.

These are your colleagues problems, let them work it out for themselves. Whatever you do don't try any kind of joint action.

Kotobira

If it were me, I’d tell them that I follow Islam and therefore don’t celebrate Christmas and threaten to sue for not respecting my beliefs if they try and force me otherwise.

Marvel1

Sounds like a nightmare, I go to work not socialise.

I have never attended any past (or future) Xmas parties or any team night outs.

Not a fan of "dinners" so put it in front I wouldn't touch it - what next I must eat it!

Who the hell wants to socialise and have fun with their managers - I'm an employee and they are the manager, nothing more.

Don't get me started on the bus journey, I have my own personal reasons.

Comms69

Kotobira wrote: »

If it were me, I’d tell them that I follow Islam and therefore don’t celebrate Christmas and threaten to sue for not respecting my beliefs if they try and force me otherwise.

And bye bye job?

scd3scd4

Tin pot company and management. Forced fun, the dopes!


A nice meal or drink at lunch time would suffice.

pmduk

I'm another that just wouldn't go and face the consequences, but I'm not suggesting the OP takes that as advice.

silvercar

pmduk wrote: »

I'm another that just wouldn't go and face the consequences, but I'm not suggesting the OP takes that as advice.

From the other PoV, what would the court do if you arranged for someone else to pick up your children and could produce evidence that you had work commitments? I very much doubt a court official would turn up on your doorstep.

Comms69

silvercar wrote: »

From the other PoV, what would the court do if you arranged for someone else to pick up your children and could produce evidence that you had work commitments? I very much doubt a court official would turn up on your doorstep.

I know I've not read the exact order; but I've never seen (and I have seen a few) a child arrangement order which ordered that the NRP personally collect.


A new partner, family member or friend would be appropriate. The courts do not order the PWC to constantly supervise.