And an interesting article from the register:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/12/07/xmas_party_warning/

Isn't some of this going a bit far?

I think that to suggest an employer has a "duty of care" to ensure that staff can get home from the office party is outragous. You don't have a "duty of care" to ensure your staff can get to and from work, so why the party?

I dont disbelieve some of the statistics as its a works do then the employer is liable. Harrassment, underage drinking and drug taking are significant issues if they are happening on company premises or the company hold responsibility.

Employers have a responsibility to ensure that employees can party safely. This duty of care falls under the obligations set by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

>>>You don't have a "duty of care" to ensure your staff can get to and from work, so why the party?>>>
Because they may have drunk too much whilst within the companies responsibility, it is therefore the companies responsibility to ensure no harm comes to them as a result of exposing them to this 'risk.'
Normally this doesnt apply as staff dont get drunk whilst in the companies responsibility....although come to think of it.....

PS. I know there is a tax break for staff with unpredictable work patterns who work late after 9pm and are provided with a public carriage, however is this is regular and predicatable then this is lost.

MS: "Employers have a responsibility to ensure that employees can party safely"

So should they provide contraception to those who get a little amorous?

>>>So should they provide contraception to those who get a little amorous?>>>

Harassment at the Christmas party by one employee against another normally results in the employer picking up the pieces because it took place “during the course of employment”. Ideally, a harassment policy will be in place, staff are adequately trained and aware that harassment is viewed with zero tolerance.