Bank staff have been told they are not allowed to book events in a banks name (even if paying for it themselves) and they have been advised to not draw attnetion to the fact that they work for a bank. Ridiculous in the extreme. There are plenty of businesses that depend on Xmas parties for much of their business.
As for the public service, I have no problem with taxpayers money being used to buy staff a couple of drinks and a bit of food over Xmas. Could never understand the objections. There are plenty of senior cvil servants along with the banks who kept Michilin Star restaurants in business during the good years.
Of course, I know of plenty of Xmas scrooges who object on any money being spent on events because they have no interest in going themselves.