'I'm a legal expert - here's how General Election talk in the office could get you fired'
Employers are at risk if political discussions are taking place in the office, according to a top legal expert.
The General Election tomorrow means discussions about politics are bound to happen, but the office may not be the best place to have these conversations.
With the average person spending 35 hours a week at work, it’s not difficult for these topics to arise in office spaces.
In fact, 60 percent of people think it's fine to discuss politics at work, with one in five stating that it forms part of their daily conversation.
However, politics can be controversial, begging the question, "Could I get fired for sharing my political values?"
Sophie Wardell, People Director at Higgs LLP, has advised on the legalities of discussing politics at work and its risks. She warned of certain things to steer clear of to emsure you're not pulled in for an awkward chat with HR.
She said: "While discussing politics in the workplace may be acceptable in certain circumstances, it can be a sensitive and potentially risky topic.
"According to the Public Order Act 1986, individuals must not use 'threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour that causes, or is likely to cause, another person harassment, alarm, or distress.'
"However, such consequences can arise from political conversations. Criticising or commenting on a colleague's political views can risk causing offence or distress, potentially leading to conflict, grievances, disciplinary action or dismissal."
There is also the risk of being fired for discussing politics online as well as in the office if your employer sees these posts. Wardell said: "Discussing violent or controversial political topics online could be grounds for dismissal.
"Given the moral and ethical values intertwined with political discussions, it is important to consider the risks to your career associated with expressing political opinions online, especially if they are particularly controversial or at odds with your profession or the role you are employed to do.
DON'T MISS:
'I know what it means to be an MP and I'm ready to take on Labour like my dad' [LATEST]
Experts explains whether you can be fired for calling in sick to watch the Euros [REVEAL]
Reform rules out Tory pact as Nigel Farage gives key election update [REPORT]
"If your comments could be deemed offensive, unprofessional, or discriminatory, you risk violating your contract and being dismissed."
Official government guidelines state: "It is not automatically unfair to dismiss someone because of their political beliefs or political groups they belong to, but a tribunal might find this unfair."
Employers are also at risk when discussing politics, not just employees, as firing someone for their political opinions could result in an unfair dismissal suit.
Wardell explained: "If employees are dismissed for expressing their political opinions, they may have grounds to claim unfair dismissal, arguing that their political beliefs are protected under equality laws.
"This would involve a tribunal where legal experts assess whether the employee's political views constituted grounds for fair dismissal. Employers should seek expert legal support in such matters to ensure their companies are protected."
She advised "establishing guidelines", particularly when it comes to what employees are allowed to post on social media, to avoid "extreme political or potentially offensive views" being shared.
She added: "Employers must take complaints seriously to prevent grievances from escalating and protect employees' well-being. Working with an effective workplace mediator may also be appropriate if tensions run high."
