Over a third of UK employers expect problems from staff at their Christmas party this year

More than a third of UK employers expect problems from staff at their Christmas party this year and, perhaps not surprisingly, as many as one in four now wish that they didnít have to stage a party at all. As one director put it, ìItís not really worth all the hassle. Most of my people donít really want one anyway. Theyíd rather take the money and go out drinking with their mates instead.î

The survey of directors at over 100 businesses was conducted in advance of a seminar for major employers in the Midlands, including ATS Euromaster, Certegy, Deloitte, Lloyds TSB and Wenham Major, staged by recruitment specialists, Macildowie Associates and Heatons Solicitors ñ part of a series of employment law briefings from the two firms.

ìAccording to the poll, local businesses are no longer just worried about the logistical problems of staging a successful party,î says Macildowieís Chris Lowndes, ìtheyíre increasingly aware that, if it goes wrong, which so often happens once the drink starts to flow, it could lead to discrimination, harassment or even unfair dismissal claims.î

According to Phil Bramhall, a partner at Heatons, who spoke at the seminar, preparation and planning is key if a company wants to avoid a severe financial and legal hangover in the New Year. ìDecide what you want to achieve and carefully select the venue, refreshments and entertainment in line with that goal, taking into account the ethnic, age and gender diversity of your workforce,î he advises. ìIt may be that you want to allow people to let their hair down with as much booze as they can consume. Thatís perfectly valid, as long as you realise that you may be liable for the actions of your employees in the course of such a binge.î