No Christmas gifts for teachers, council rules

● First year of ban ● Move follows HMRC guidelines

Council officials in Falkirk have dampened end-of-term festive cheer by banning school pupils from giving Christmas gifts to their teachers.

Schools have been advised to tell parents and pupils not to give any Christmas presents to teachers and staff.

In the past employees of Falkirk Council have not been allowed to receive gifts but it is understood that this is the first year the ban has been extended to teachers. The move appears to follow general guidelines laid down by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to ensure staff adhere to the highest standards of public service.

The ban has been met with anger from parents who cannot understand why it has now been put in place.

One parent, who did not want to be named, expressed dismany when she received a pre-christmas newsletter from her child’s primary school last week.

The newsletter stated: “As we approach Christmas and recognise that children often bring gifts to school for teachers and other staff, we have been asked to share a new poli- cy from Falkirk Council which prevents any employee from receiving gifts.

“We therefore ask that if you or your child wishes to gift anything to staff that this could possibly be in the form of a card. We appreciate your co-operation.”

The mother could not see why a pupil should be barred from showing gratitude to their teachers.

She said: “My son has given his teachers a Christmas present every year he has been at the school.

“I don’t see what the harm is - he just wants to show his teacher how much he appreciates the job she is doing and the help she gives him.

“He got quite upset when I told him what the newsletter said and couldn’t understand why giving his teacher a present was a bad thing. It’s never anything big or expensive, just thoughtful.”

Members, officers and employees of Falkirk Council are required to strictly adhere to its policies and procedures.

A Falkirk Council spokesperson said: “Some parents and pupils choose to offer a gift to a member of the school team at this time of year. While the sentiment is understood, the council has agreed a policy which sets out clearly that no member of staff working for Falkirk Council should accept gifts or hospitality.”