World Cup watching guidelines published
7 Jun 06
Acas call to avoid discrimination when matches on
What to do if your employees want to leave work early to watch World Cup matches is the subject of guidelines just published by Acas, the workplace conciliation and arbitration body.
Acas warns that employers could be at risk of charges of discrimination if they allow employees to leave early to watch England games, but do not extend the same privilege to those from other countries who want to watch their team play. Nor should they assume that women are not interested in football and would not want the same treatment.
Acas suggests that employers should install televisions in the office to allow staff to watch football matches during their breaks to prevent absenteeism. The guidelines also advise employers to remind staff that taking time off when not genuinely ill is a disciplinary matter.