Do you think ex colleagues should be able go to the work Christmas meal?

[JustAGirlStandingInFrontOfABoy]

We are given a set amount by the company to have a Christmas meal.

Ex colleagues want to come and pay for themselves. Do you think that’s ok? Or should the work meal be just that .., the people that work together now?

I think it's fine, if they were a colleague until recently. If they worked with you for one week temporarily, then no.

I go to my previous jobs xmas meal. But we are all still very close, it’s a small team and none of the bosses come. I pay for myself and don’t use the money they are given.
Depends on the dynamic I guess.

Depends really? Some random who worked there briefly then no. Someone who was with the company 20 years and recently retired then that would be fine.

Depends how long they've been away I reckon.

I’m not convinced...anyone new doesn’t know them and it can start to feel very cliquey. Yes if everyone there knows them and every past colleague gets invited!

If they are paying for themselves, as you say, then it's fine.

We used to have "year of separation" attendance. Not the next year.

No, perhaps retirees but not people who have left for pastures new!

So they were there during the year’s work being celebrated?

They have offered to pay for themselves, so why is the budget relevant?

What’s your agenda?

I think if somewants to go let them....most people are there under sufferance.

most people are there under sufferance.

Definitely not in my workplace