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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
World
Paige Freshwater

Worker hit with HR complaint for decorating desk with British flag on July 4

It's a day to commemorate the Declaration of Independence in the States - but in Britain, it's just another day of the week. People from across America have been gearing up for July 4 for weeks, from organising parades and concerts, to setting up the barbecue and buying fireworks.

But not everybody celebrates the occasion the 'right way', as one Brit came to learn after trying to get into the July 4th spirit for the first time. Taking to Reddit, he said: "On July 3, our office decorates for the 4th of July festivities, however I am British and moved to Texas four years ago.

"Before this year, I have never decorated my desk area and I haven't celebrated the 4th of July in any capacity. However since I've been at this job for four years now, I thought I'd get involved and try and bring a bit of British humour to the situation, so on July 3 I came into work with a Union Jack, and hung it up on the wall behind me."

He had two HR complaints made against him (stock photo) (Getty Images)

But this wasn't the only decoration he brought in as he also put up a picture of The White House burning down in 1812, a giant NHS sticker, an image of Winston Churchill, and a photograph of the late Queen Elizabeth II firing a gun.

He also brought in tea and crumpets for his colleagues to enjoy in the break room.

"I did this as I thought It'd be a funny little joke and a way for me to join in with the office crew because in previous years people have noticed my lack of participation and commented on it, he added.

"One woman in the office last year even told me that, 'Either have fun or keep out of the way.'"

But due to his "disrespectful" décor, the man ended up with two HR [human resources] complaints against him for being "unpatriotic and anti-American".

He said: "HR came to me and told me that I had to take my items down and when I asked why no one else had to take theirs down, they told me that I just had to do it because putting them up was a d*** move anyways, and 'Not in the spirit of the holiday'.

"However, some people keep American flags up all year round at their desks, so I don't see why I couldn't have mine for a few days."

Commenting on his post, one user said: "It's not too bad but it seems like you went a bit overboard for a joke."

Another user added: "I think it sounds pretty funny. You always have to lean on the side of caution in a work environment, but not a***holeish at all."

A third user said: "Most of it was funny, but the White House burning down was a bit too far, and you should have celebrated normally outside your desk."

Do you have a story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.

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