Christmas Party or bonus

[Coulditbesam]

We run a company, where quite a substantial part of the workforce are minimum wage or slightly above.

We usually go quite big on a Christmas Party, but this year I was thinking that perhaps with the cost of living crisis they might prefer a bonus instead of the party.

It wouldn’t be a huge amount about 200 quid each extra in December pay slip.

What do people think?

I think that would be a great idea.

We all get a Christmas party and a bonus but in that situation I would much prefer a bonus.

I’d prefer bonus personally

Bonus.

100% the cash bonus.

I'd prefer bonus and anyone who wants a work Christmas night out pays for it themselves outside of work time.

Bonus. Those who want to can always spend the money on a Christmas night out.

I earn more than minimum wage and still think £200 is a lovely bonus for Christmas! Far far rather get that, than a party.

Bonus and then if anyone wants to arrange private drinks with colleagues they can do.

will the bonus be taxed? could you do tax free vouchers instead?

Bonus. As someone else already said, IF people want to go out/meal/pub etc then they can organise and pay that themselves.

Another vote for bonus.

I’d prefer money BUT this sets a precedent for future years and people will then feel hard done by if it’s not repeated, so don’t rush the decision…

How about a bonus and a smaller party / drink together - doesn't need to cost much

Bonus without a doubt.

Look at it from the other side.
Would any of the people voluntarily spend £200 going to a works Christmas party ? Of course not.

I like a party as much as anyone else, but £200 is a lot of money you could spend on things you actually want, or even need (like heating and food).

Splendid idea. Sounds very generous to me actually. Is that really how much you would spend per head on a party?

Bonus please

It will, unfortunately I can’t super-seed the tax man!

Would be an idea to give supermarket gift vouchers as gifts? Everyone could use one of those!

Bonus, but if you have anyone who needs to stay below a threshold make it optional.

I don't think there is a gift card or voucher scheme accepted by every supermarket company (although happy to be proved wrong). There's be no point giving me, say, Morrisons or Asda or Iceland vouchers, got none of those near me.

Bonus but make it clear its just a one off.

Vouchers over £50 need to be reported to HMRC anyway as a taxable BiK and the person is limited to where they spend it.

Thank you all - it appears bonus is the winner.

I’d go bonus but also a nice lunch in the office perhaps? Or even just mince pies and an hour to chat?

Office only has about 8 people in it. (And 5 of those are related)

Most people who work for us are out and about, who we rarely see.