Eversheds on eggshells over Easter treats
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Eversheds’ plan to present its staff with Easter eggs had to be put on hold after concerns that it might offend employees who do not celebrate the Christian festival.
The firm’s diversity and equality policy states that the firm is “determined to create a working environment which […] is free from any form of discrimination […] within which all individuals are treated with respect, fairness and courtesy”.
The ethos prompted a debate over whether some individuals might feel discriminated against should they receive an egg. However, the firm decided that it would press ahead with the perk. A spokesperson said: “All staff have worked very hard during the recent difficult trading environment and distributing Easter eggs is just a small way of saying thank you.
“Concerns were raised that the firm shouldn’t be seen to be favouring one religious group or cultural tradition over another. However, Eversheds is committed to equality and inclusivity and celebrates a number of festivals reflecting the diverse composition of our workforce worldwide.
“We feel that while not all of our employees celebrate Easter, they will understand the gesture.”
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Readers' comments (28)
Andrea Paulsen | 6-Apr-2010 9:19 am
Easter eggs are not a Christian tradition. It's a totally secular concept and has nothing to with the crucifiction and resurrection of Christ, which is what Christians celebrate.
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Anonymous | 6-Apr-2010 11:11 am
Lawyers have thick shells, im sure they would understand!!
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Barbara Cookson | 6-Apr-2010 11:24 am
it is rather sad that Eversheds HR have such a poor understanding of the Christian religiion that they think chocolate eggs are part of it.
Is this story a hangover from 1 April?
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Citylawfirmworker | 6-Apr-2010 11:36 am
As someone belonging to another religion, I am hopeful that Eversheds will actually conduct a straw poll of its non-Christian workers in order to decide the issue - rather than the usual patronising "lets not offend them" approach which seems to be current at the moment.
I don't work at Eversheds, but I'd be very surprised if anyone from a different religion was "offended" at the gesture.
Lets hope they back it up with some Vaisakhi treats next month, Diwali treats in December and Eid sweets in January! What's the usual offerings at Yom Kippur?
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Anonymous | 6-Apr-2010 1:21 pm
Easter is about the crucifiction and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Eggs/bunnies etc are secular symbols of spring. (Spring occurs at approximately the same time as Easter is celebrated.)
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Anonymous | 6-Apr-2010 1:24 pm
I love multiculturalism, and I worship diversity. Ahh... isn't it wonderful!?
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marjorie | 6-Apr-2010 2:19 pm
I thought that easter eggs represented the rolling away of the rock that blocked the doorway to the cave Jesus' body was put in after he was crucified? When he came back to life the rock was rolled away? Isn't that why kids rolled eggs, to symbolise that? We eat chocolate ones because nobody likes to paint hardboiled ones any more. And there's more money to be made in chocolate.
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Anonymous | 6-Apr-2010 2:53 pm
Easter eggs originate from paganism, it is the celebration of fertility, hence the eggs.
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Anonymous | 6-Apr-2010 2:56 pm
Sadly, since Yom Kippur is a fast so a food offering would hardly be appropriate.
Honey cake at Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) would do nicely.
The idea that anyone's religious sensibilities would be offended by the receipt of free chocolate shows how far BIG E has departed from the real world
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Anonymous | 6-Apr-2010 3:02 pm
They sent out happy Diwali cards last year? Discrimination.
No eggs for staff means they save a few thousand pounds to edge up those PEP figures they are so obsessed with. At least be honest about penny pinching.
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