Bosses are banning dancing and kissing under the mistletoe at this year's Christmas office parties as fears of Covid ruining family festivities rise.
Despite three quarters of workers being ready to party with their colleagues, just two thirds of employees said they were planning to do a lateral flow test before attending.
And almost half said those who haven't been vaccinated should be banned from attending.
Firms holding parties have also decided to be cautious and many are avoiding hosting events in their offices opting to go to restaurants instead.
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- 13% of workplaces were banning kissing at the office party, 10% were stopping standing at the bar and 8% were preventing staff from dancing.
- 27% are insisting on a negative lateral flow test or proof of being doubled jabbed.
- 19% want social distancing during eating
- 19% are insisting on staff wearing masks whilst walking round the venue.
The survey, which was completed when new variant Omicron was discovered last week, found offices and hotels are now the least popular place to hold the Christmas party.
Only 17% are celebrating at their place of work or a hotel, with restaurants the most popular with 36% and pubs with 24%.
The findings are from a poll of 2,000 UK office workers on behalf of Covid testing company Prenetics.
Spokeswoman Avi Lasarow said: “People want to let their hair down — but would rather be safe than sorry.”
Health Secretary Sajid Javid gave less-than-certain advice to millions of Brits saying people should “maybe” take a Covid rapid test before attending Christmas parties.
Mr Javid backed the Prime Minister who urged people to “follow the existing guidance and be sensible about that".
He told Sky News: “It’s not a formal recommendation in the guidance, but if I was going to a party with lots of people and things, I would.
“But I would have done that even before we knew about this variant.”
He later told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "If you are invited to a Christmas party, there's quite a few people there, maybe you want to take an LFT (lateral flow test) before you go.
"Go to the party, but just be cautious."
