DAVID Brent's comic antics in The Office have ended, but lawyers are warning that real-life Brents are still on the loose and could land their companies in hot water.
The TV series reflects a small generation of insecure 30-something middle managers. Armed with management jargon and tactless people skills, they spell trouble for their employers, say employment experts. Russell Brown, of North-west law firm Glaisyers said: "In real life, with Brent at the helm, a company would be bombarded with employment tribunal claims."
In many cases, The Office really is a case of art reflecting real-life. It's the perfect parody of a manager who has read one too many textbooks on 'management technique' and has no idea how to apply it in the workplace.
"Sweeping changes in employment legislation make it even more likely that the real-life David Brents are caught out and personnel departments are looking more closely than ever at the behaviour of their managers.
"Coping with legislation surrounding religious discrimination, sexual orientation and data protection issues is a difficult job, even for competent managers. For the uninitiated or ignorant, it is a potential minefield of endless compensation claims and employment tribunals.
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