BBC
Tuesday, December 5, 2006

Christmas decorations have been banned by almost three out of four UK employers, for fear of offending staff from other faiths, a survey says.
The study found that 74% of managers were not allowing any festive decorations in their workplaces this year, an increase on 71% in 2005.

Bosses also felt that Christmas trees and tinsel made offices unprofessional, according to law firm Peninsula.

Its survey spoke to 2,300 employers across the UK.

'Political correctness culture'

"Christmas trees and decorations may well be a thing of the past in many workplaces this Christmas as political correctness culture has spread to the workplace," said Peter Done, managing director of Peninsula.

"Although employers who are enforcing the ban are sceptical and dismayed by this trend, they feel that they have little choice in the matter due to the threat of litigation; as they have to protect themselves, their reputation and their livelihood."

A separate festive report suggests that workers are increasingly having to spend their own money at office Christmas parties.

Only a third of UK workers are now given a completely free night at their annual festive bash, according to supermarket chain Somerfield, which spoke to 1,200 adults.