With the approaching onset of the six-month trade fair, known as Christmas, some of us will be looking forward to the traditional works party where the usual merrymaking will follow and where some expected red faces and eyes lay claim to the fact some of us may have “overdone it”.

With the expected changes to be implemented when the Equality Act lumbers into being, effectively forcing employers to establish a culture of zero tolerance to potentially offensive behaviour, we will have to be on our very best behaviour because of the possibility of being sued for “inappropriate office banter”.

To avoid any accusations of saying anything out of place at the party, and any legal proceedings that may follow, there are only two options. Turn up disguised as Father Christmas or take a “sickie”.

If you are unfortunate enough to be sacked as a result, take a crash course in law allowing yourself to become self-employed as an ambulance-chasing lawyer defending similar claims against others!

N Vince
Rocheway
Rochford