New leaflet advises businesses on World Cup

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and legal advisers Abbey Legal have produced a guidance leaflet on how firms can avoid employment problems during the World Cup.

Wilfred Mitchell, FSB Policy Chairman, said: “We should all be able to enjoy the World Cup as much as possible. The tips in this briefing will enable firms and their staff to follow their team with no adverse impact on their business or their employment. Being prepared will let everyone benefit fully from the tournament.”

Tips for firms in the document include:

* Setting out the leave policy to staff before the tournament starts.

* Planning absences in advance to ensure sufficient workers are on the premises to carry on the business at all times.

* Instigating a flexi-time approach for the tournament so that hours lost watching the games are made up afterwards.

* Allowing radios or TVs into the workplace where appropriate (providing the firm has a valid TV licence for the premises).

* Requiring a medical certificate for any absences during the tournament.

* Re-stating the disciplinary procedures of the firm regarding unauthorised absences before the tournament starts.