Andy Cockburn, CEO of event organising firm Wigadoo, said: "Without giving away any names, lots of people from companies that have been in the news because they've cancelled Christmas parties have now signed up to organise smaller, department events around the festive season."
This comes as The British Greyhound Racing Board reported almost 70% of British employees were dreading their work Christmas party as they have nothing in common with their colleagues.
However, staff attending parties independent of their workplace could be minimising their risk of redundancy as employment lawyers warn workplace Christmas parties could give employers a chance to get rid of staff.
Tom Potbury, senior associate in the employment team at law firm Pinsent Masons, said: "One result of the credit crunch is many businesses are looking to make redundancies. In deciding in who stays and who foes, one criterion that is often considered is the disciplinary record of each employee.
"Now more than ever it is advisable to avoid drunken brawling or any other misdemeanours at the office Christmas party."
Employees not in the party spirit
Employees are organising their own Christmas events independently of their employer.
