More than half of Christmas parties will go on past midnight, but less than a quarter of businesses ensure that their employees get home safely, according to Driven A to B.

97% of respondents said that their company would host a party this year. Almost 50% opt for dinner and dancing, with 29% planning to go for drinks after work.

Nearly one third (31%) of parties will finish between 10pm and midnight, with more than half expecting to go on after midnight (54%) and 6% will go on past 4am.

Despite this, very few firms arrange travel to get people home safely.

Less than a quarter of those surveyed (22%) will pay for a car service or taxis with the majority of party-goers - 71% - left to find their own way home.

Despite 57% of people seeing the events as a great opportunity to chat and have fun with people in the office, the same amount would rather have a bonus than a Christmas party.

Mike Bell, chief executive at Driven A to B said: “Christmas parties can be good for morale and help employees to get to know each other, but it’s important that businesses consider their safety too.

"The combination of too much alcohol and late nights can lead to people putting themselves in potentially risky situations and with an increase in unlicensed vehicles on the road, there is more chance than ever of getting into a car where the driver has not received adequate training or checks.

“There are also legal considerations for businesses. UK law states that the office Christmas party is an extension of the normal working environment and as such employers are still liable for the safety of their employees.”