This case serves as a reminder to employers of the risks that can accompany Christmas parties, although the company in this case navigated the issues admirably.
A dismissal for fighting at a Christmas party involving individuals who attempt to play down the seriousness of the incident can be fair, as this case shows.
Practical guidance on ensuring acceptable behaviour at office parties and other work-related social events, such as the Christmas party, including vicarious liability and reasonable steps to prevent harassment by colleagues and third parties.
In Stubbs v Chief Constable Lincolnshire Police and others a Nottingham industrial tribunal (Chair: D R Sneath) holds Lincolnshire's chief constable liable for the unlawful acts of a male police officer who sexually harassed a female colleague in public houses after work.