To control workers at drunken work parties, city businesses are increasingly hiring “sober supervisors.” Other businesses have introduced risk assessments for any events involving alcohol.
Some of the largest businesses in Britain have cracked down on employees after a number of high-profile instances of inappropriate behaviour and sexual misbehaviour in recent years, out of fear for their brand.
Accountants PwC today informed MailOnline that they now advise event organisers to select specific “responsible personnel” to watch after the “wellbeing of participants.” These employees are expected to abstain from alcohol or only consume it in moderation.
Both the law company Linklaters and the accounting firm BDO recently implemented a similar policy. In the meanwhile, MailOnline learns that Netherlands-based KPMG now demands risk assessments be done prior to gatherings where alcohol would be present.
According to a PwC spokesperson, “We are committed to ensuring a safe, healthy, and inclusive workplace for all of our people. We have clear regulations and procedures in place for anybody organising and attending work social events, whether they take place in or outside of the office.
“This includes urging event organisers to name and distribute the contact information of committed “responsible individuals” to monitor attendees’ well-being and serve as a point of contact should any issues emerge.”
This week, it was revealed that a PwC auditor filed a £200,000 lawsuit against the company after suffering a severe head injury after a “excessive” game of pub golf during a work night out.
After collapsing during a night out in Reading in April 2019, Michael Brockie is suing his employer.
The 28-year-old ultimately underwent surgery to remove a portion of his skull, took six months off work to heal, and is still reportedly experiencing “persistent cognitive issues.”
Attorneys for the auditor argue that PwC should be held accountable for Simon Fradgley’s negligence as the manager of the Reading office audit department who planned the event in his petition to the High Court.
Staff members were instructed to visit nine clubs and pubs in the town as part of the celebration, and it is alleged that Mr. Fradgley “failed to take appropriate care for the safety of coworkers” and put pressure on them to participate.
According to court documents, the event “encouraged excessive alcohol consumption” and instructed attendees to consume pints in as few mouthfuls as possible, with the lowest scores being the victors.
Senior associate Mr. Brockie, who was employed by the company at the time and had an average salary of £41,000 per year, was discovered laying in the street after collapsing.
After months of recuperation from a “moderate-severe brain damage,” he would resume working part-time in October 2019.
According to court records, PwC cancelled the annual event following the incident.
In an effort to combat issues related to alcohol, the company forbade employees from consuming alcohol at work in 2019 unless it had been provided by its in-house catering crew and it had been at a special event where this was authorised.
Mr. Brockie has continued to work for the company after his recuperation, and according to his LinkedIn page, in January of this year, he was elevated to a manager position at the Reading office, which pays an average of £64,000 per year.
He says in court records that a similar occasion the year prior produced a “competitive virtue of extreme, quick, and protracted alcohol consumption,” despite the fact that he has no memory of the night’s later events.
When PwC implemented its “sober supervisor” policy is unknown.
‘We are unable to comment on the specifics of an issue that is subject to ongoing legal procedures,’ the corporation said in regards to the legal dispute.
“As a responsible employer, we are dedicated to fostering a culture that is welcoming to all of our employees. Anyone attending social events is also expected to be responsible and to take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others.