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US commander orders staff to attend Christmas party
The commander of a US base near Southampton has warned staff they face disciplinary action if they miss their Christmas party.
Commander Raymond Langlais wrote to the 200-strong workforce, all but three of whom are British, saying they'll lose pay if they miss the party tonight.
The event is being held at the US Army's Combat Equipment Battalion at Hythe.
In a memo to staff, he wrote: "If you feel like I am trying to force FUN upon you, then you are correct."
He added: "Let me make it clear that every employee's duty on December 19 is the Base Christmas Party. All employees not on approved leave will participate in the party."
He said those who didn't attend "will be considered absent, will receive no pay and are subject to disciplinary measures", reports theDaily Telegraph.
Pointing out that the party was being held during normal working hours, he said: "If we are having a Christmas party on our installation and people are getting paid to be here then I want them at the party and don't want them just sitting in a lounge.
"I was told that last year some people were not involved in the party at all so what I'm trying to do is get everyone involved this year."
One British member of staff said: "No consideration has been given to those who do not celebrate Christmas due to their religion or choice."