PC gone mad on birthday cards

accymel · 06-11-2006, 14:50

Birthday card could be 'ageist'

A council has warned staff who send "ageist" birthday cards to colleagues that they could be breaking the law.
Workers at South Gloucestershire council have been told that age-related jokes could constitute discrimination or even harassment.
"Even sending a birthday card that says colleagues are 'over the hill and past it' could be taken as ageist behaviour," says a memo to staff.
The council said there was no general ban on sending cards.
It was simply reminding employees of new legislation, which came into effect last month, a spokesman said.

Are we going down the road where cards will just say 'Birthday' on the front of them?
Tory councillor Keith Craney

The memo, from personnel chief Paul Scrivener to 10,000 staff, continued: "This is not just a phase the council are going through, it's the law which means you will be liable for any comments or action you make or do that someone may find ageist and discriminatory.
"From Hip Hop to hip op, South Gloucestershire is an age diverse organisation."
Tory councillor Keith Craney said the council had lost its sense of humour.
"Are we going down the road where cards will just say Birthday on the front of them?, he said.
"Will Happy Birthday be the next thing you can't say?"
A spokesman said the authority was giving its employees some scenarios which could fall foul of the new law.
"The council has policies and procedures in place to deal with any form of discrimination.
"We also operate a fully comprehensive equalities policy.
"Any complaint about discrimination on grounds of age would be treated in accordance with these procedures and appropriate action taken." Under the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations Act, workers can sue their employers if they feel they have been harassed or victimised because of their age.

Story from BBC NEWS:

Gee whatever next!!!! Breathing too quick will be against the law soon

how blaming ridiculous!!! Lets ban fun altogether, so would getting a card other than a plain one be offensive???

Could put my dad out of business or other card manufacturers

lancsdave · 06-11-2006, 14:54

The worst thing is that people are paying this buffoon's wages through grossly inflated council taxes. It really is time this country got a grip with it's public servants talking ****e.

chav1 · 06-11-2006, 15:49

so you could end up been charged with sexual harrasment if you send a dirty birthday card then ?

WillowTheWhisp · 06-11-2006, 16:03

Before long we will be avoiding speaking altogether and not dare to look someone in the face in case it's a non-PC sort of look!

SPUGGIE J · 06-11-2006, 16:16

If it want for the fact that some plank somewere would enforce and take it through the courts if they could I would be ROFPMSL. Lancsdave is right it is time we got to grips with this. My Aunt was had her 70th birthday while I was down the other weekend and would have been disapointed if she did not get the madcap cards with badges and age on it.

So lets find these numpties and bind there hands and gag em before all fun is destroyed!!!!

lancsdave · 06-11-2006, 17:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by WillowTheWhisp

Before long we will be avoiding speaking altogether and not dare to look someone in the face in case it's a non-PC sort of look!

I think we should draw a veil over the last part of that sentence

shillelagh · 06-11-2006, 17:14

Does that mean my next birthday i wont get some sarcastic birthday cards - i'll just get nice ones?

WillowTheWhisp · 06-11-2006, 17:17

The sarcastic ones are the most fun. (ignores Dave's veil)

jambutty · 06-11-2006, 17:37

The mind boggles!

I suppose that Happy Retirement is now out of the question. Oh! And 21 today, Happy first teen birthday, you are SIX today etc.

Why stop at cards. What about those mugs and plates that have things like, the best 60 years old or the best granddad in the world and the like.

Then there are the anniversary cards and gifts. They are all age related.

Sorry you can’t have just ‘Birthday’ on a card because it relates to a day of a certain age.

accymel · 06-11-2006, 17:39

Trust me the future generations are going to be very miserable ones indeed all fun banned!! Oh well least start a rebellion

chav1 · 06-11-2006, 19:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by accymel

Trust me the future generations are going to be very miserable ones indeed all fun banned!! Oh well least start a rebellion

cant do that because it will fall under these new terrorism laws..

lets just do it quietly ..

shhhhhhhhh

SPUGGIE J · 06-11-2006, 21:10

THE STATE DAILY INFO bringing the news that we want you to read.

Breaking news!! A respected member of the community was arrested today under the anti terrorism laws for orginising a large gathering of people with the intent of participating in a subversive act. The person who cannot be named due to legal reasons (name unknown) claimed that it was a birthday party and that pals were invited to help celebrate this. As the present law states that only a crowd of one person is allowed the defendent was arrested and charged with gathering cell of people to cause mayhem. Those at this illegal gathering have also been arrested and at present our paramilitry police are in the process of obtaining confessions. The defence will claim that the lack of drugs supplied by the state to keep people torpid is the reason behind this sudden outburst of free thinking and fun.

The head of the the board of PCCP stated categorically that this was not the fault of the state and that the defendent showed individualistic tendencies for a number of years prior to this incident and would be pushing for the maximum sentance of life in solitary listening to old Tony Blair speaches. It is also believed that the accussed ran a conterfit big occasions card ring that offered joviality to other subversives in the area.

The trial is expected to last 20 mins with no possibility of an appeal or parole.

LET THIS BE A WARNING TO ALL THOSE OF YOU OUT THERE THAT THINK YOU CAN GATHER AS YOU PLEASE. WE HAVE CAMERAS EVERYWERE AND ARE WATCHING YOU.

accymel · 06-11-2006, 21:25

Thats the incitement to rebel idea quashed

Gayle · 06-11-2006, 21:34

It's absolutely ridiculous - we had a 'talk' about ageism at a staff meeting.

There is nothing wrong with light hearted banter between workmates - it's what gets you through the day.

accymel · 06-11-2006, 21:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gayle

There is nothing wrong with light hearted banter between workmates - it's what gets you through the day.

Nope there isn't i think they dont want us to get thro the day