AIBU to think that £70 p/p is a lot for a works Christmas Party?

[PineWoodChicken]

It’s that time of year again and my family has found this year tough like so many others. I manage a clerical team within a much larger public sector industry and the Christmas Party talk started today but by all accounts we are late!
The minimum price per head is coming in at £70 with others way over £100.

I’m struggling to justify the expenditure but as a “manager” I feel it’s my duty to go. That money would pay for our Christmas lunch if not more. Everyone else seems ok with it so I’m also embarrassed- AIBU to think this is too much?

Don’t go. If your thr manager, they’d have a much better time without you anyway 😊

So you’d be happy for your taxes paying for this?
I work in public sector and we pay for our own. We have a big do with everyone which I don’t bother with then a smaller one with just our section which I prefer. We usually pick a pub and book a table for all of us. The manager of each section buys everyone the first drink so it’s an even more expensive do if you’re a manager! 🤣

Most bosses do go but leave early as though know they are not really wanted. 😂

Why would anyone pay to attend their own Christmas Party?

Because there wouldn't be one if they didn't, maybe ?
Because they want to spend a bit of time relaxing with colleagues ?
Because some people like a Christmas party ?
They might want to get to know colleagues a bit better, particularly if working in a role they aren't sitting or standing next to them all day ?
Because it is nice to go out and have a meal and a dance sometimes, and the opportunities don't come about that often for lots of people, so a work Christmas Party might be the only time you get to do that in a year ?

Are you really so ignorant about how the vast majority of employees across the country fund any socialising with colleagues ?

You are definitely NOT obliged to go.

So don't.

Yes, that's pretty expensive, our work do's are completely free and also come with a door prize to encourage attendance.

I found out some years ago that saying "No I dont want to" is actually uncombackable against (made up word of the week).

"I can't really afford it" - "Oh but if you....."
"DH is working that night" - "Oh but if you...."

"No, not my thing. I hope you all have a good night!" - "But..." - "No I dont want to"

There is no comeback! I got left alone after the first ask each time!

Just be honest. It's more than I can afford, sorry I can't attend.

Exactly. You could not go, but that is a bit Scrooge-like, especially if you're the team leader. It's the kind of thing you do to foster good relationships, like leaving dos and cakes in the office. And we get the afternoon off, or at least some of it, even though we pay for ourselves.

Are you really so ignorant as to not realise that a lot of people don't want to spend £70+ to spend an evening with people they have to spend all day with in order to pay the bills out of necessity rather than choice?

Your team may be full of people with similar concerns. You leading the way may give others who are feeling uncomfortable the confidence to do the same. And if not, nothing lost.

I’d make it lighthearted, casual and truthful. Something like, “We’re a bit skint this year so I’m going to give it a miss, but if anyone fancies a couple of festive drinks after work, you can help me prop up the bar in Spoons.”

I’m sure you won’t be the only one in your team who would be hoping for something about half that price, but is finding it hard to speak up. I wouldn’t pay that much.

No, if you've read the thread, I've posted earlier to that effect.

This post was just answering the poster who expressed faux shock that people all over the country have to pay for their own meal or party, if they want to have one.

I'm retired now, but have attended many Christmas parties over the years and have also chosen not to attend many other years, but any 'do' I've ever gone to, I've paid for myself, as millions of other employees do when they go out with colleagues.

It is true.

I run my own company and I could utilise it. There's quite a few rules around it, go 1p over and you can't claim it, etc. But you do have £150per head, plus partners, tax relief. The company does still HAVE TO PAY the £150 though, it's not free money. It's just payable without being taxable on the employee. A business cost.

This ^

Is this an unofficial party? I’d say that’s a lot - if it is for you as a manager (who presumably gets a higher salary) then others will really feel it. We just went to the pub for lunch near Christmas and that was enough. I’d advocate for your team and say £70 is too much and whomever is arranging it should find a cheaper venue.

I am public sector, thankfully we just go to a local restaurant for a long lunch because that is affordable. I don't expect the tax payer to fund my my lunch.

My manager generously puts on a morning tea spread in the last week before Christmas, which is greatly appreciated, however again I would never expect it.