Avoid a spectacle this Christmas

After working hard all year long, the countdown to this year’s work Christmas party can generate a buzz of excitement around the office, as colleagues look forward to letting their hair down and enjoying an evening of celebrations. However, these parties can create a host of potential legal issues that employers must consider before finalising plans.

Tina Chander, employment lawyer at leading UK law firm Wright Hassall, warns: ‘While no one wants to play the Grinch, it is important that individuals are aware of the possible dangers faced during a night of drinking.

‘From an employment law perspective, just because a party takes place away from the premises and outside of standard working hours, that does not necessarily protect organisations from any legal issues that occur.