Digital camera phones should be banned from Christmas parties to avoid employees being fired due to photographic evidence emerging of party high jinks this year, according to employment lawyer Jonathan Whittaker.

The firm advises bosses to tell staff that snaps taken with a digital camera are fine, but not with mobile phones.

Jonathan Whittaker of law firm SAS Daniels, says: “The speed with which an embarrassing or even unlawful photo can make it from phone to internet is breathtaking - digital-savvy types can take a photo and post it on a blog, website or social networking site for the world to see within seconds.

“Under the European Convention of Human Rights, everybody has the right to respect for their private life. Employees should seek permission from each individual before posting their photo on a website or blog, otherwise it could give rise to problems for staff and employer.”