Third of workers “on the pull” at their Christmas Party

One third of people attending their office party this year plan another type of Christmas fun, new research has found.

Starting mid November and now stretching into January, thousands will enjoy a few drinks with work colleagues at their works Christmas do. However whilst most will have a few drinks and call it a night, research from office provider Offices.co.uk suggests some have a desire to take things further with an office co-worker.

Jonathan Ratcliffe spokesman for Offices.co.uk said: “We were staggered at the findings, 1/3rd actually plan to take a work relationship further. Whether or not it actually works out is in the hands of the love gods I guess”.

While many single people will meet their future love interest at work, there is a darker side to it all. The new research suggests that 36% of men and women admit to having an affair with a co-worker, and 35% of men and women admit to cheating while on a business trip.

With the stresses of work reaching a fever pitch at Christmas, and plenty drinking too many free drinks, the Christmas party has long been the place where tensions can run a little high. Fights, arguments and fumbles are commonplace across the UK at this time of year.

“We’ve all seen with our own eyes what happens after a few drinks,” says Offices.co.uk spokesperson Jonathan Ratcliffe, “We all know one or two people in the office who are at it don’t we – and some of these are married and in relationships”

It’s not just married workers who see the festive season as prime time to kindle a love affair. Many single people find approaching fellow office workers difficult, especially in smaller workspaces. The Christmas party gives them the perfect testing ground to see if their target feels the same way too.

Jane, 42, from Cardiff, said: “I’m recently single so yeah I will be seeing if I can pull – why not! I work in a call centre and it’s basically like a nightclub the office party, lots of new faces.”

Mark, 32, from London, said: “I’ve pulled at work parties before, and cheated. Nothing came of it, but it’s a great time to go for it, everyone is happy and having fun”

Judith, 58, from Birmingham, said: “I met my ex-husband at work and we had our first snog at the works do – 30 years later we’re still together”

“Just don’t forget your mistletoe! ” says Offices.co.uk spokesman Jonathan Ratcliffe.