Insurance
firms are warning that employers could be more at risk from Christmas
party-related legal action this year, because of new discrimination laws.
Stricter
regulations against discrimination on the grounds of gender and sexual
orientation mean the type of misbehaviour which can occur at staff Christmas
parties could result in expensive law suits for organisations, if employees
overstep the mark.
In
addition, new research from insurance firm Hiscox has found that just 10 per
cent of the UK’s employers are insured against discrimination claims.
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Angela
Howe, employment practices underwriter at the firm warned that employers could
be liable for the inappropriate actions or remarks of staff at any event deemed
‘work-related’.
