NHS staff beware – serving up the wrong foods and not inviting agency staff to your Christmas party could result in an employment tribunal.

That is the message from bosses at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals Trust this month in an “equality bulletin” to employees.

The trust has produced a ten-point guide to festive shindigs for staff to follow that will not result in a disciplinary, dismissal or a discrimination claim.

It includes suggestions that management should carry out a full risk assessment before any possible party, including not booking a venue that could cause age discrimination if anyone is too young to drink and that women with caring responsibilities should not be excluded – nor should staff on maternity or paternity leave or agency staff.

“There could be the potential for claims of sex discrimination,” the bulletin reads. “Statistically more women have caring responsibilities than men, how would you ensure that those with caring responsibilities are not excluded from the festivities?”

Any potential rows about potentially offensive foods are also addressed.

The bulletin says: “You need to cater for the needs of everyone attending the event to avoid discrimination.

“Consider the religious and cultural requirements and possible adjustments for disabled employees.”

Staff are reminded to keep their dignity intact on the Christmas-do.

“It is important to enjoy yourself, but the principles set out in the Trust’s Dignity at Work Policy should be observed,” reads point number six.

And if you are considering pulling a sickie the morning after the night before then think again.

The bulletin warns: “It is worth remembering, unless there is a valid reason for absences, ie a genuine illness, unforeseen emergency (for example breakdown in care arrangements or household), it will be considered an unauthorised absence and may lead to disciplinary action being taken.”

A Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust spokesman said the bulletin was an internal document to staff and would not comment any further on it.