College workers in Nantwich are facing disciplinary measures – for filming their charity ice bucket challenge on college grounds.
Five members of staff at Reaseheath College were stunned to be told they were facing disciplinary proceedings after carrying out the fund-raising stunt performed by millions around the globe.
Like many, the employees involved filmed their challenge and posted it on social media sites Facebook and Youtube.
However, bosses at Reaseheath College spotted it and claim it breached staff rules.
It’s believed the five workers are all based in the animal management department at the college, which employs more than 500 staff.
One of the five is a lecturer, and at least one is an animal keeper at the college’s zoo.
A source, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “They did this after work on college grounds, it wasn’t even during work hours.
“This is over-zealous and very punitive against people who were doing something for a worthy, charitable cause.
“To take disciplinary proceedings has caused a lot of unnecessary stress and worry for those workers.”
It’s not clear if the members of staff are being represented by a union.
But a University and College Union (UCU) spokesperson said: “This seems very heavy-handed.
“We know of staff doing this in work hours and posting themselves on Facebook, but if this was after work hours what is the harm?”
But Reaseheath College bosses, who confirmed disciplinary measures are being taken, said the staff had “breached the college’s social media and health and safety guidelines”.
A spokesperson for the college said they were being disciplined because the staff “were not perceived to be behaving in a professional manner and did not have permission to carry out the stunt on campus or to upload it onto social media”.
The Health and Safety infringement related to water being thrown from a mezzanine floor which does not have public access for safety reasons.
Glyn Ferriday, Reaseheath’s head of communications, said: “This is an internal matter involving a breach of college policies.
“All parties have been reprimanded. Although we appreciate that this was a charity stunt, breaches of policy are automatically followed by disciplinary action, irrespective of subject.”
He emphasised that Reaseheath College is an enthusiastic supporter of local charities, with students and staff raising over £190,000 over the past 26 years.
The ice bucket challenge has raised millions of points for those suffering Motor Neurone Disease.
@Clare Symes: I really don’t know where to start with this. Firstly, it is “they’re” not “their”: seeing as you see fit to criticise others I am sure you won’t mind me picking on your grammar. Secondly, people are commenting on the report that Nantwich News (amongst others) has printed. How, pray tell, are myself and John Morris supposed to know that these people were “half-dressed, swearing and doing dangerous stuff” and “didn’t even donate any money to the charity”? Or, are you suggesting that before commenting on an online forum we research every possible angle, ring up all the staff at the college etc. etc. etc.? How do I know that YOUR version of events is right and not Nantwich News’s version? I don’t, do I? So, I comment on what a seemingly reputable site publishes. @John, from what I have said just I do not think that my views are “inane”, they are what I believe based on what I have read. @Clare, If your views are indeed correct, then get them published by a news source, because they have no impact otherwise. Finally, Clare, at the end of your message it’s “lose their jobs” not “lose there jobs”. Their = plural possessive (belonging to, in terms of a group). There = a place. They’re = a contraction of “they are”.
Clare. I don’t think you should shoot the messenger. I don’t agree with the views expressed either, but I’m really glad that Nantwich News prints all sides of a debate. Many online forums only print a selection of views and some either manipulate online polls or heavily filter submissions to suit their own political agenda. (The BBC is absolutely blatant in its manipulation and supression of opinions). I say well done NN for publishing all views, however inane, and allowing the reader both to comment, and to form their own opinion.
I love how you print anything without knowing anything about this. Their the idiots for thinking it’s ok to walk around half dressed, swearing and doing dangerous stuff. There stupid enough to put it on social media where we can see it. And they didn’t even donate any money to the charity anyway. The rest of the staff are disgusted with them for giving Animal Management a bad name. The other lecturers and keepers are brilliant role models but these ones for should lose there jobs.
They’re* the idiots
They’re* stupid
Pathetic welsh moron. Get a life and stop interfering with others.
Jobsworth idiots. Glyn Feriday drop me a line and I will tell you about my procedures…. Funnily enough a bucket of ice over him might get his brain reprogrammed and working correctly.