The BBC reports Kiwi copywriter Josh Thompson did just this when he received an ominous email from his bosses asking to discuss his role at the company. The human resources department at FCB New Zealand encouraged him to bring a ‘support person’ to help cushion the blow, an option that is legally required in New Zealand.

So rather than bring a family member, a friend or even a pet, the part-time stand-up comedian decided to splash out NZ$200 (£100) on a clown called ‘Joe’.

Upon confirmation of his redundancy, the clown reacted accordingly, as if he was also receiving the bad news, Thompson said.

"Professionalism at its finest, really,” Thompson told the BBC.

Thompson added he’d highly recommend hiring a clown as support for any suspected redundancy meeting.

“If you’ve got family, friends, step mums, step dads, step kids, bring them by all means,” he said. “But if there’s a clown available, especially Joe, I’d definitely recommend it.”

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