More than half of Irish employers plan to cancel the annual staff Christmas party this year, according to a new survey.

Some 51% of employers have labeled the annual get-together too costly to justify in straitened financial times, according to the survey by employment law consultancy group Peninsula Ireland.

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“Businesses have to weigh up whether the cost of hosting a Christmas party is worth it for their business – firms are still trying to tighten their belts and subsequently they don’t feel that the price of a Christmas party can be justified,” said Alan Price, managing director of Peninsula Ireland.

Additionally, 72% of managers reported having to deal with employee complaints over drunken behavior following a Christmas party, adding to the potential problems of hosting a staff gathering.

Drink driving is another concern, as a recent crackdown makes it illegal to drive with more than one drink in your system.

Traditionally, Irish police become very vigilant post-Christmas because of the huge numbers of accidents related to drinking at parties.