A stark new study has revealed that fears for personal safety are causing nearly half of all women in the UK to plan on avoiding Christmas parties this festive season. The research, conducted by the personal safety app WalkSafe, highlights a profound concern over welfare during the darker winter months, particularly when travelling home from celebrations.
Key Findings: A Nation Feeling Unsafe
The survey of 2,000 workers uncovered troubling statistics about public safety perceptions. It found that 49 per cent of women and 31 per cent of men intend to stay home rather than attend work parties due to worries about their journey home. This anxiety is not unfounded, as the poll also indicated that a fifth of all respondents, both men and women, reported having been harassed during their commute to or from the office.
Concerns are amplified by social drinking, with around 46 per cent of women and a third of men stating that consuming alcohol at work events increases their fear about travelling afterwards. Furthermore, a third of women expressed specific worries about their safety during Christmas shopping trips after dark.
Geographic and Demographic Trends
The research identified a clear geographic pattern in anxiety levels. Brighton emerged as the city where workers were most concerned about attending festive gatherings, followed closely by Birmingham and London. Age also played a significant factor, with younger people exhibiting the highest levels of fear. A striking 49 per cent of those aged 18 to 27 stated they were worried about going to their Christmas parties.
In response to these fears, the study found significant support for proactive measures from employers. Almost a third of respondents believe workplaces should establish a professional team to ensure staff get home safely during the party season. Reflecting personal precautions, one in six people plan to book taxis in advance.
Context and Calls for Change
This study is published on the eve of a significant independent review into women's safety in public spaces. Lady Elish Angiolini is set to publish part two of her report, prompted by the murder of Sarah Everard in 2021 by Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens. The report is expected to scrutinise whether other predators are present within police forces, examine institutional culture, and address broader issues concerning the protection of women.
Emma Kay, founder of WalkSafe, commented on the disheartening findings. She stated that the festive season should be a time for enjoyment and celebration with colleagues and friends. 'People should be able to let their hair down without worrying about their safety,' she said. 'Sadly, this research shows women, men and especially young people do not feel safe at festive events or travelling to and from them in the darker, winter nights. This is simply not right and shows a failure in how employers are looking after their workers in some cases.'
The collective data presents a sobering picture of how safety fears are directly impacting social and professional life, casting a shadow over the traditional Christmas party season and prompting urgent calls for both societal and employer-led solutions.
