The office party F-bomb that ended a career

Never respond to an emailed query from the boss after drinking nearly three litres of beer at an office Christmas party.

That's the lesson learnt by an employee at a South African freight company who was charged with gross misconduct and fired for using abusive language.

While end of year Christmas parties are generally a time for staff members to come together and celebrate‚ this particular party in December 2013 did not end happily.

The hangover lasted until just over a week ago when the Labour Court in Johannesburg dismissed an application by the man to challenge his dismissal.

The judgment – which did not name the man – outlined events leading up to his dismissal‚ after he had been charged with "gross misconduct in using abusive language to a fellow manager".

"After consuming alcohol‚ approximately eight 340ml bottles of beers‚ he left the party to his home. Whilst at home‚ he consumed another bottle of beer before he could go through emails on his phone‚" said the ruling.

"He came across an email from the branch manager of Cape Town Office‚ Paul Thomas. The email was sent at or about 13h47 that day.

"Therein‚ Thomas asked: 'Why was this entry not cleared via GR as registered and instructed?'

"Annoyed by the query‚ he asked his wife to send an email to Thomas‚ which read: 'F-k You Thank You'."

The next day‚ Thomas forwarded the email to two other employees‚ Tony Van Aswegen and Willie De Lange.

Thomas found some humour in the email‚ and pointed out to his colleagues‚ "LOL… I had to laugh when I got this mail."

Aswegen‚ however‚ was not impressed and replied: "Hi Willie‚ I will call you later to discuss this‚ this is unacceptable."

The employee pleaded guilty to the charges.

However‚ the court added‚ De Lange had said that due to the fact that the man was already on a final written warning‚ he had no choice but to dismiss him.

The employee's application for leave to appeal was refused and he was ordered to pay the costs of the application by the Labour Court.

Three tips to avoid ending your career at the annual office party‚ compiled by The Telegraph:

• Don’t gossip or spread rumours‚ keep the small talk light-hearted

• Don't drink too much. While it is a party‚ you are still being watched by your superiors and remain accountable for your actions

• Always dress appropriately