Canon looks after bottom line with reinforced copiers

Photocopier manufacturers are anticipating a 25% rise in call outs over the festive period because of workers abusing the machines.

Manufacturer Canon said a third of its technicians called out over the Christmas period have to deal with the consequences of staff sitting on photocopiers to make pictures of their bottoms.

In response, the company has increased the thickness of the glass on the machines from 3mm to 4mm to take the strain.

David Smith, marketing director at Canon UK, said: "People obviously let their hair down at Christmas time and the photocopier tends to get a bit of extra-curricular activity."

"I had to repair a machine with a photocopy of a man's groin jammed in it," said Canon technician Steven Mannion. "The manager suggested an office identity parade to see who Canon could charge for the call-out."