SMEs told to prepare for World Cup absenteeism

Small business bosses are being urged to set out their stall early to deal with unscheduled employee absences over the football World Cup period.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) - which along with Abbey Legal Protection has produced guidance for firms - is warning that workers and their managers both need to be "on the ball" to address advance requests for holiday - and any unplanned absences that arise.

The FIFA tournament starts on 11 June, and runs until 11 July, with the first England match kicking off at 7.30pm BST on Friday, June 12. Matches are also scheduled at 7.30pm on Thursday, 18 June, and at 3pm on Wednesday, 23 June, though any further fixtures will depend on whether England progress from their group.

Despite saying that England's matches fit in well with normal UK working patterns, the FSB expressed concern that as the momentum begins to build, "working fans may get over-exuberant, and staff absence due to hangovers will follow".

The advice recommends "collaboration" with employees, noting that while there is no legal requirement to grant requests for time off to watch matches, "there is simply no point in turning down an employee's request for time off on principle alone".

Another option for those seeking time off ahead of the event is to grant special unpaid leave - though employers should follow a consistent policy for all sporting event requests, the advice says.

It advocates a flexible policy on match days, allowing staff to make time up before or after the usual working day. It also suggests permitting having matches on the radio in the background - providing staff understand it is on a discretionary basis, and may also be permitted for matches involving other teams.

Absenteeism

However, the FSB advises taking a pro-active stance on absenteeism by setting out company policy before the first match day. It suggests sending out an email to staff pointing out that disciplinary action will follow unauthorised absence, lateness, or those who turn up to work drunk.

Meanwhile, it reminds bosses that they should ensure they get a doctor's certificate from those who have called in sick, though points out that the company must bear the cost of obtaining this for absences of less than seven days.

According to an online poll of England fans by betting site Betfair, 32% would consider skipping work to watch a crunch match. This proportion rises to 68% for those who regularly attend football matches.

FSB policy chairman Mike Cherry said that employers need to start engaging with their staff ahead of the first match next week.

"Employers need to be aware of the impact that unplanned absence could have on their ability to trade and employees need to know that throwing a sickie rather than asking for time off could result in disciplinary procedures.

"Sorting out these issues before the first game kicks off means everyone can relax and enjoy the matches, while making sure jobs still get done in the workplace."

Down the pub

Meanwhile the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has issued advice to landlords on how to ensure World Cup coverage in their pubs runs smoothly.

It takes the form of a checklist to make sure that establishments have "all the angles covered", according to BBPA director of pubs Martin Rawlings, who also said that the group would like to see pubs being backed by authorities as "the best and safest place to enjoy the tournament".

The advice comes as the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) gave its backing to calls for a minimum price per unit of alcohol, saying that a quarter of adults are drinking too much.

IMAGE: */AP/Press Association Images

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