Christmas parties becoming a legal minefield

0 Comments | AFP, December, 2006

LONDON (AFP) — The traditional British office Christmas party, where alcohol-fuelled workers across the country vent the last twelve months of frustration, is a growing legal headache for employers. In Britain, famous for its binge-drinking culture, nine out of 10 firms have considered cancelling their annual shindig due to fears of complaints of harassment, discrimination or food poisoning, said a recent study by law experts Peninsula.

Peninsula's managing director Peter Done said company Christmas parties have become "simply another excuse for employees to get drunk. "Is it even any wonder that employers are thinking of banning Christmas parties this year when many employees still perceive that they cannot be sacked if they misbehave at a Christmas party?" he said. In...