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A COUNCIL has sent out a memo to staff advising them how to behave at office Christmas parties.
The move, by Hyndburn Council, has been criticised by a councillor who has been in trouble himself for his own festive exploits.
The memo, emailed to all staff - insists that no one should be pressurised into attending festive celebrations; advises on gift choices for Secret Santa and lists behaviour that could be seen as offensive.
But the seasonal guidance has been labelled political correctness gone mad' by Clayton-le-Moors Independent councillor Nick Collingridge.
Coun Collingridge, who was given a police caution after singing a racist song at a Christmas party in 2005, said that he was amazed when he received the email.
"I thought it was a joke when I opened it," he said. "I like to sing when I have a drink - and now I know I have to be careful. I have learnt my lesson, but this email is plain stupid.
"I rang the chief executive and he said the council had to be careful because an office party still counted as being at work and so discrimination laws apply to parties too."
Coun Collingridge added: "Anyone coming to my parties who is easily offended will be asked to stay away."
The email, sent out by the human resources department, tells workers they should not buy risqué or offensive presents for Secret Santa. It also states that staff by the mistletoe should avoid unwanted jokes about an individual's private life; unnecessary bodily contact; and suggestive remarks.
It then signs off with a festive greeting.
Council leader Coun Peter Britcliffe said: "The email was not initiated by me but I have seen it. I think in many ways it is wise to warn people about what they do at Christmas and it it better safe than sorry.
"I am not particularly PC myself but I think it is important we know what we can and can't do, especially when people have had a few drinks. We aren't trying to be killjoys but we all have to be more careful these days. Things change, and not always for the better."
John Midgley, from the Campaign Against Political Correctness, features a similar spoof email in his book the Politically Correct Scrapbook. He said: "You couldn't make this up. You would think these killjoys have better things to do at this time of year. Let people get on with enyoying Christmas and stop being so PC."

Re: Council Memo

Quote:

Originally Posted by lancsdave (Post 503394)

Many offices have sent out these types of emails to staff warning them that disciplinary rules still apply at the office party. We've had one at work this week.

Re: Council Memo

It reminded me of this:

Quote:

FROM: Pat Smith, Human Resources Director

TO: Everyone
RE: Christmas Party
DATE: December 1

I'm happy to inform you that the company Christmas Party will take place on December 23, starting at noon in the banquet room at the Grand Hotel. No-host bar, but plenty of punch! We'll have a small band playing traditional carols...feel free to sing along. And don't be surprised if our CEO shows up dressed as Santa Claus!

FROM: Pat Smith, Human Resources Director
DATE: December 2
RE: Christmas Party

In no way was yesterday's memo intended to exclude our Jewish employees.

We recognize that Chanukah is an important holiday which often coincides with Christmas, though unfortunately not this year. However, from now on we're calling it our "Holiday Party." The same policy applies to employees who are celebrating Kwanzaa at this time. Happy now?

FROM: Pat Smith, Human Resources Director
DATE: December 3
RE: Holiday Party

Regarding the note I received from a member of Alcoholics Anonymous requesting a non-drinking table...you didn't sign your name. I'm happy to accommodate this request, but if I put a sign on a table that reads,"AA Only," you wouldn't be anonymous anymore. How am I supposed to handle this?

Somebody?

FROM: Pat Smith, Human Resources Director
DATE: December 7
RE: Holiday Party

What a diverse company we are! I had no idea that December 20 begins the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which forbids eating, drinking and intimacy during daylight hours. There goes the party! Seriously, we can appreciate how a luncheon this time of year does not accommodate our Muslim employees beliefs. Perhaps the Grand can hold off on serving your meal until the end of the party. The days are so short this time of year-or else package everything for take-home in little foil swans. Will that work?

Meanwhile, I've arranged for members of Overeaters Anonymous to sit farthest from the dessert buffet and pregnant women will get the table closest to the restrooms. Did I miss anything?

FROM: Pat Smith, Human Resources Director
DATE: December 8
RE: Holiday Party

So December 22 marks the Winter Solstice...what do you expect me to do, a tap-dance on your heads? Fire regulations at The Grand Hotel prohibit the burning of sage by our "earth-based Goddess-worshipping" employees, but we'll try to accommodate your shamanic drumming circle during the band's breaks.

Okay???

FROM: Pat Smith, Human Resources Director
DATE: December 9
RE: Holiday Party

People, people, nothing sinister was intended by having our CEO dress up like Santa Claus! Even if the anagram of "Santa" does happen to be Satan," there is no evil connotation to our own "little man in a red suit."

It's a tradition, folks, like sugar shock at Halloween or family feuds over the Christmas turkey or broken hearts on Valentine's Day. Could we lighten up?

FROM: Pat Smith, Human Resources Director
DATE: December 10
RE: Holiday Party Vegetarians!?!?!?

I've had it with you people!!! We're going to keep this party at the Grand Hotel whether you like it or not, so you can sit quietly at the table furthest from the "grill of death," as you so quaintly put it, and you'll get your #$%^&*! salad bar, including hydroponic tomatoes...but you know, they have feelings, too. Tomatoes scream when you slice them. I've heard them scream, I'm hearing them scream right now!

FROM: Karen Jones, Acting Human Resources Director
DATE: December 14
RE: Pat Smith and Holiday Party

I'm sure I speak for all of us in wishing Pat Smith a speedy recovery from her stress-related illness and I'll continue to forward your cards to her at the hospital. In the meantime, management has decided to cancel our Holiday Party and give everyone the afternoon of the 23rd off with full pay. Happy Chanuk-Kwanzaa-Solsti-Rama-Mas at this time.
__________________

Sorry for the thread wander. :o

Re: Council Memo

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lilly (Post 503401)

Many offices have sent out these types of emails to staff warning them that disciplinary rules still apply at the office party. We've had one at work this week.

I can only see that being true if you are having the party in office hours and you are being paid to attend.

Re: Council Memo

I suppose a visit to the party from a stripping teddy bear called Mohammed is unlikely to happen...

Re: Council Memo

During my time at Dhss, office parties were banned from official premises following a deathfall from an office upper floor in Manchester.

A pity - they used to be the highlight of the year involving a performance of a musical satirical revue of the years events/scandal.

Re: Council Memo

these PC memo's are a blessing

i was doin security last week at a well known NW hotel and a MAJOR company had its crimbo party and one of the organisers handed me a copy of this memo sayin if any of their staff are seen doin anything on this list i shud note them down and write a description of their clothing. the staff were told this too and they werent even flinchin whilst we were around - felt sorry for them *L*

one of the items on teh list was participating in any sexual activity where it would not be acceptable or something along those lines. so people to make out were doin the whole going around the back so no one wud see them make out