Employees At British Government Agency Advised To Avoid Saying “Merry Christmas”

Is it just a coincidence that this is occurring at the Department of Energy and Climate Change?

(UK Telegraph) Staff at a Government department have been urged to avoid writing the words “Merry Christmas” in seasonal email greetings to avoid upsetting anyone.

Instead, employees at the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) have reportedly been advised to stick to the more neutral term “Seasons Greetings”.

In a memo circulated around the department, recipients were also warned that images on their e-cards should not feature skin, according to The Sun.

The message, destined to bring accusations of cancelling Christmas raining down on the department, read: “As an organisation of multiple faiths and agnostics serving a community of the same and in the interest of inclusion, I’d avoid images with skin.” (snip)

The memo comes after it emerged that the equality and diversity team at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust had issued its staff with a set of guidelines intended to avoid legal action by any employees claiming they had been discriminated against because of the choice of timing, venue or catering for their Christmas events this year.

Elsewhere, the Westford, Mass, Department Of Public Works was ordered to remove a sign reading “Merry Christmas” several workers had erected. A Canadian woman claims she was kicked out of a mall for saying “Merry Christmas”. The mall disputes the assertion.

AthiestTV (had no idea there was such a thing) will broadcast lots of anti-Christmas/religious programs on the 24th and 25th. Bet those who are off and able to watch won’t mind getting holiday pay.

Crossed at Pirate’s Cove. Follow me on Twitter @WilliamTeach.

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