BOURNEMOUTH University’s timing in displaying generosity to staff in its IT and Estates department is about as impressive as saying “Happy New Year” to a turkey.

At a time of protests over mighty tuition fee increases, together with a hefty slice cut off the higher education budget and jobs at risk, you have to question the PR acumen of whoever made the decision to go ahead with inviting all members of a department – getting on for 170 – to a £19.99-a-head nosh in a posh hotel.

If 100 took up the invitation that would cost a couple of thousand quid.

But, hey, it’s Christmas. Let’s not get too hot under the collar about this. Firstly, their intention was good. They just wanted to say thanks for hard work.

Secondly, apparently the smackers will come out of a budget that isn’t affected by cuts.

And, thirdly, at this late stage, it would seem Scrooge-like to cancel that bit of Christmas cheer for the staff involved.

So let the IT crowd enjoy their Christmas tuck-in, despite the timing backfiring like an old jalopy that hasn’t been serviced since the good old days.

Let their drive to their meal not be too hard.

May their free byte be enjoyable.

May holly napkins protect their laptops.

May their mainframes bulge with too much food.

And, with the university saying the arrangement is subject to a review next year, may their good night out this Christmas be rammed deep in their memories. For the chips are down for the future.