Legal essentials for employers staging work parties outlined by Ian Hurst in People Management (7 August 2024)

Employment Solicitor Ian Hurst discusses key legal considerations for employers hosting work events in an article for People Management online.

The article, keeping summer parties within the law discusses the rights, responsibilities and liabilities of employers and employees at work events.

Summer parties can boost morale and foster team spirit, they can quickly spiral out of control when alcohol is involved, Ian writes in the magazine of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

He outlines essential considerations for employers to ensure that seasonal events are conducted legally and safely, emphasising the following points:

• Duty of Care: Employers have a responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of employees during work-related events, including offsite gatherings.

• Health and Safety: Conducting risk assessments and ensuring that the venue is safe are crucial steps to prevent accidents and injuries.

• Alcohol Consumption Policies: Clear policies on alcohol consumption should be established and communicated before the event. Providing non-alcoholic drink options and controlling alcohol intake can help mitigate risks.

• Inclusive Event Planning: Activities should be planned to cater to the diverse backgrounds and preferences of all staff, ensuring inclusivity and enjoyment for everyone.

• Preventing and Managing Misconduct: Employers should reinforce the company’s code of conduct and have a plan in place for handling incidents, including training managers to monitor and address inappropriate behaviour.

• Transport Arrangements: Safe transport options should be arranged to prevent drink-driving incidents, and overnight accommodation should be considered if necessary.

• Liability and Insurance: Ensuring that the event is covered by appropriate insurance is essential to protect against potential incidents.

Ian Hurst’s article underscores the importance of understanding and adhering to legal responsibilities to prevent costly legal issues and ensure the wellbeing of employees.

The full article can be read here: Keeping summer parties within the law | Ian Hurst

About the Author

Ian Hurst is a Solicitor in the Employment department at Duncan Lewis Solicitors, based in our City of London office. With more than 25 years of experience, Ian has extensive experience in acting for both claimants and respondents in a wide range of employment law matters, which include instances of unfair dismissal, cases involving allegations of discrimination, unlawful deductions from wages, appeals and grievance procedures, and breaches of part time work regulations.

For advice or assistance, contact Ian via email at IanHu@duncanlewis.com or by telephone at 02072752872.

Duncan Lewis Solicitors

Duncan Lewis employment lawyers act on behalf of claimants and respondents in all employment tribunal related matters in a variety of areas including unfair dismissal, redundancy, breach of contract, equal pay, maternity and paternity/adoption rights, whistleblowing and minimum wage.  Our employment law specialists can represent all types of employers, large and small – as well as individual employees and groups of employees.

Duncan Lewis is an award winning law firm mostly recently crowned the Lexis Nexis Law Firm of the Year 2024, and recognised for its commitment to diversity and inclusion by the Modern Law awards in 2023. Rated top tier by the prestigious Chambers and Legal 500 legal guides is ranked as one of the top 250 law firms in the country by the Times and Sunday Times.