A couple of hours at the office Christmas party can undo months of hard graft.

The work Christmas party is covered by the same sex discrimination laws that apply in the office.

An ill-advised quip, a playful pat on the backside, or even a canoodle in the cleaning cupboard could leave your career in ruins, if you've had a bit too much to drink.

Dan Ferrandino, director of recruitment agency reed.co.uk, advises acting quickly if you’ve offended a colleague.

“Make sure you apologise to the person concerned,” says Ferrandino. “Make sure your hangover is under control first though, there are plenty who have put their foot in it the morning after because the alcohol is still in their system.”