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“DON’T LET COMIC RELIEF THIS FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH BE UNLUCKY” LEADING LAWYERS WARN BUSINESSES

Leading Yorkshire lawyers are warning companies in the region that fundraising activities for Comic Relief could be unlucky for them this Friday the 13th.

As hundreds of businesses prepare to host their own fundraising activities, Leeds Legal, an alliance of the city’s major law firms, says that employers need to consider the possible consequences when organising charity events or risk facing an employment tribunal and an unlimited fine.

Andrew Lightburn, a Leeds Legal spokesperson and employment lawyer at Shulmans Solicitors, based in Wellington Street, Leeds, said: “Leeds Legal supports Comic Relief and has no wish to dissuade people and organisations from raising funds for the good causes that the charity supports. However in legal terms, any fundraising activities arranged by the company are considered as an extension of the workplace, even if they take place off-site. This highlights the need for businesses to make all staff aware that normal workplace etiquette is required, and abuse, discriminative or offensive behaviour will not be tolerated.

“As an employer, there are therefore many things to consider when organising charity events - staff need to know that internal personnel policies on bullying, harassment and discrimination still apply at all company events. Organising sponsored activities is a great way to raise money for good causes and to have fun, but employers need to select the right venue and activity that is inclusive of all religions, disabilities and lifestyle choices.

Mr Lightburn said encouraging staff to dress up at work entered into the spirit of Comic Relief’s ‘Doing something funny for money’, but it could lead to a harassment claim. Some employees may not feel comfortable coming to work in fancy dress due to religious or moral beliefs. This activity could also encourage uninvited sexual behaviour if staff dress in outfits that may be categorised as provocative, such as school uniforms.

Mr Lightburn continues: “Also, especially in the current economic climate cajoling staff to donate money may be misinterpreted as harassment, if taken too far.

“Any inappropriate actions, such as offensive, sexual, racist comments or behaviour, could result in a legal claim against the company and the individual who is accused of behaving incorrectly. This could lead to a compensation payout by the business and the individual employee in question.”

He said: “Where an employee wins a discrimination claim, compensation is unlimited and includes a sum for ‘injury to feelings’ to reflect the emotional impact on the victim caused by the comments or actions of the employer or another employee.

“To avoid being unlucky this Friday 13th, employers therefore need to make all staff aware of existing company policies and call for common sense and consideration for their colleagues when considering fund raising activities.

“Comic relief is a great cause that changes lives, and we should all consider ‘doing something funny for money’ this Friday. Just make sure that everyone sees the funny side, and stays on the right side of the law.”

Leeds Legal is the only city-based legal sector promotional campaign in the country. The body promotes law firms in the area and the high levels of service, expertise, no nonsense advice and value for money it says they provide. The organisation also administers an international programme of events, supported by UK Trade and Investment, the government organisation supporting domestic firms doing business internationally and overseas companies wanting to invest here. Leeds Legal is one of the most successful city agencies to utilise European and international trade missions.

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For more information please contact: Tim Curran on 0113 220 0507 (t.curran@brahm.com) or Rachel Hadfield on 0113 220 0575 (r.hadfield@brahm.com) at Brahm Ltd.

Note to Editors:

Leeds Legal is the first city-based legal sector marketing campaign which promotes Leeds’ collective legal services. Supported by the Leeds Law Society and regional office of The Law Society of England and Wales, Leeds Legal is funded by a number of key sponsors including UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) Millnet Northern, Jet2.com, Hilton Leeds City hotel, Leeds Metropolitan University and Marketing Leeds. The Leeds office of corporate legal practices Pinsent Masons, DLA Piper, Lupton Fawcett and Clarion Solicitors are spearheading the campaign. Associate sponsors of the initiative include: Beachcroft, Gordons, Irwin Mitchell and Shulmans.

More information is available at www.leedslegal.co.uk



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