We tell health boss...cake that!
THE Daily Express yesterday presented a cake to the killjoy health bosses who are trying to ban birthday treats in the workplace.
We hand-delivered the calorie-laden sponge to Public Health England’s headquarters, after the authority said “healthier alternatives” should be used to celebrate special occasions at work.
PHE said Britons should swap sweet treats for fruit and veg and has drawn up a “toolkit” for employers, suggesting a better way to mark birthdays would be to provide carrot sticks, apples, pears and bananas.
The crusading Express stood up for all those who enjoy a slice of celebratory cake by delivering a large, iced 20-piece birthday treat to PHE’s London offices.
Sadly, chief executive Duncan Selbie refused to collect it, while members of his team offered your correspondent a fruit bowl. They did, however, eventually take the cake in and promised to share it around the office.
PHE’s 55-page physical activity, healthy eating and healthier weight guidance was drawn up to dissuade people from continuing the decadesold tradition of bringing cakes to work.
The guidance says: “Begin a conversation about how special events – birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, promotions – are marked at work.
“Can cake days be shared or healthier alternatives be provided?
“Where practical, offer free fresh fruit and vegetables at strategic points in the workplace as well as at any existing snack options or vending machines.” The proposal was ridiculed by Christopher Snowdon, of the Institute of Economic Affairs, who said: “The clampdown on cakes is another attempt by this meddlesome quango to suck the joy out of life. Sharing tasty treats on special occasions builds team spirit and boosts morale.”
On Twitter, one mother sarcastically said: “I’m sure everyone would happily swap a sponge cake for a celery and carrot one. If I want to take cake into work, I will.”
A PHE spokesman said: “No one is trying to ban cakes. However, most adults are overweight or obese and people eat too many calories a day.
“This toolkit gives employers the advice they want on starting conversations about healthier habits at work.”