Will your employees be there for the kick-off?

Football fever is already gripping the nation and with the first kick off on the horizon, employment law specialists mhl support has looked at the impact the 2010 World Cup will have on the workplace. A recent poll of 1000 businesses, by The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), found that 90 per cent of employers had no plans in place to manage staff absence during the month long tournament. The remaining 10 per cent were either preparing a policy or already had one in place. “There are lots of questions being asked by employers about the effect the World Cup will have on the workforce,” said Michael Slade, Managing Director of mhl support. “It’s an extremely important focus area and one in which we can hopefully shed some light. The issue of staff taking time off to watch the World Cup is causing a few problems; one client we represent has had so many requests for annual leave during the World Cup that it would seriously affect the organisation’s productivity. In order to combat the problem it has adopted a first come, first served system.” It doesn’t stop there. mhl support has also had clients requesting information regarding unauthorised absences from work. “It’s a simple issue really,” said Michael. “If an employee is absent from work without authorisation, then it is a disciplinary matter, which could result in a high level warning and in some cases dismissal.” On the surface, allowing staff to watch the football at work may seem a good idea, but as mhl has contemplated, it can be a legislative minefield when it comes to giving gestures of this kind. Making sure that the business premises has a television licence is a small consideration, but if it is over looked then it may well result in a hefty fine and possibly a court appearance. The issue of harassment could also rear its head, especially if management allow employees to put up England flags at work. There could be a nationalistic argument regarding the absence of flags of other nations. The World Cup will also be discussed at length by the workforce and whilst in most cases some derogatory remark about another national team may be passed off as ‘banter’ there will certainly be cases where others take offence and claims of harassment may soon follow. “There are some very important considerations for businesses when setting out policy for the World Cup,” said Michael “mhl has a team of specialist and experienced advisers who are able to tell you more about these latest developments. If you are interested in learning more about the services mhl provide, please call mhl support on 08453 100 600 for your free no obligation quote.” - - - ENDS - - -

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