According to this week's Times Higher, Cardiff University has just imposed a new policy on the use of alcohol and drugs which states that "Individuals are reminded that they should not behave outside work in a way that might bring the university into disrepute and bring into question suitability for the particular role held."Fair enough, but it then goes on to state that not only is drinking at work is forbidden but, unbelievably "employees' homes will be considered part of the workplace when they work there".
There remains a ray of sunshine for those who imbibe as "alcohol consumption is allowed on university premises only on specific named events, such as the last working day before Christmas and "retirement recognition".
However, the catch is that "prior approval must be obtained, and staff must not return to work afterwards".
Similarly, staff need "express permission to drink at lunch-time events; those who do may not return to the office for the rest of the day". According to the rules, failure to abide by any of these terms "may result in the termination of working arrangements" i.e. the sack.
If there is an alcoholism problem among some members of staff, then certainly it needs to be addressed but this seems to be using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Instead of solving the problem, this will merely exacerbate it, especially amongst the small minority who have serious alcoholic problems that should be dealt with in a sensitive and personal manner.
Given the ban on drinking at home, how will this be monitored by Cardiff's human resources department? Will staff be encouraged to shop their colleagues who are marking first year scripts over a glass of chardonnay?
Will every single employee going to their departmental Christmas parties now have to sign a form in HR? Will academics now have to gain permission from the Vice Chancellor before attending conference dinners on behalf of the University?
I think I need a drink.
Comments
What about farting is that allowed ?
What about the pub or staff social club if they have one, is that going to have to stop offering academics booze after a research paper because they might be discussing the content of it, and therefore be at work?
Absolutely insane...
The Times Higher publishes emails "leaked" to them; emails sent by "the UCU". The emails aren't published so we don't know what they said but the article states the UCU have issues with a "new" policy.
I can only guess that, in the usual way of these things, the university was in the process of discussing the policy with the UCU, and no doubt other unions. Yet the Times reports it as if this were a policy that was already in place.
Cardiff, like most workplaces, has a no drinking at work policy, its had one for quite some time. I'm guessing this an attempt to update it to reflect the reality of people working at home.
I expect the changes to policy have something to do with the fact that if your employer allows you to work at home they still have a duty of care towards you; they need to be aware of health and safety issues in the same way they would be if you were at work.
And why does no one point out the ridiculousness of arguing for the right of people to drink alchohol at work? That's a daft idea no matter where your workplace is.
This idea count only germinate in Binge Drink Britain where alcohol = drunk. I blame the Protestants.