Employers could find themselves facing costly discrimination bills following Christmas party antics, warned specialist insurer Hiscox.
Hiscox employment practices underwriter Angela Howe said: "Inappropriate sexual remarks are clearly identified as discriminatory in the office and usually dealt with severely.
"However, discrimination claims can be made against companies even if the remarks were made outside of the office and outside of working hours."
The insurer warned that less than 10% of employers had employment practices liability insurance to cover them against the cost of defending discrimination claims, with many companies unaware that such a policy existed.
"Any event considered to have taken place `in the course of employment' leaves room for employees to file a claim. This can include sexual remarks in the pub after work or at a Christmas party.
"The rule of thumb for employers is that, if it's a work related event, they could be liable," concluded Howe.
