A shocking survey has revealed that three out of four UK employers have banned Christmas decorations for fear of offending staff belonging to other faiths.

74 per cent of managers were not allowing any festive decorations in their workplaces this year, an increase on 71 per cent in 2005, according to the survey of 2,300 employers across the UK.

In addition, employment law experts Peninsula said bosses felt that Christmas trees and tinsel made offices unprofessional.

"Christmas trees and decorations may well be a thing of the past in many workplaces this Christmas as political correctness culture has spread to the workplace," said Peter Done, managing director of Peninsula.

"Although employers who are enforcing the ban are sceptical and dismayed by this trend, they feel that they have little choice in the matter due to the threat of litigation; as they have to protect themselves, their reputation and their livelihood."

A separate festive report indicates that workers are increasingly having to spend their own money at office Christmas parties.

Only a third of UK workers are now given a completely free night at their annual holiday night, according to supermarket chain Somerfield, which spoke to 1,200 adults.