Cava rather than Champagne on the Christmas party menu in recruitment sector

More than half think traditional Champagne will be downgraded to Cava and 70% admit their party will move from a posh venue to the office this Christmas.

Although only one in 10 staff think canapés will be replaced by supermarket nibbles, a third think partners will be barred from office festivities this year, the survey from VoucherCodes.co.uk reveals.

Workers in the media industry are also suffering from recession-bashed Christmases this year with 72% predicting cutbacks on everything from entertainment to catering. But those in the education sector are more optimistic, with more than half expecting their Christmas party to go ahead as planned.

Duncan Jennings, co-founder and managing director of VoucherCodes.co.uk, said: "As the UK recruitment industry continues to feel the pinch, Christmas parties understandably slide further down the financial agenda, with greater concern being placed on covering crucial costs like wage bills and office rental. It is no surprise therefore that employers are deciding to cut down on the more ‘frivolous' workplace expenses like office parties.

"Although we are seeing a move towards less lavish office Christmas parties, it is highly unlikely that they will be cancelled altogether simply to save money. Most bosses realise that a good party is an important morale boost for their employees and we recommend those holding the purse strings think of creative ways to maximise their budget so employees can end the year on a high."