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Employers urged to avoid 'own goal' during World Cup
The TUC is calling on UK employers to demonstrate flexibility during the forthcoming World Cup tournament, by allowing their staff to take time off to watch the televised football matches.
The union believes that offering flexible working hours to employees to enable them to watch the games will be preferable to taking disciplinary action against staff who take unofficial sick leave.
It argues that by accommodating employees' requests, employers could help to boost morale and reduce absenteeism.
Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary, said, 'Rather than impose a blanket ban on football, and run the risk of demotivating staff and losing hours through unauthorised sick days, we would encourage employers to let people watch the games if they like – and claim back their time afterwards. That way, everyone wins'.
The call follows recent confirmation in the Queen's Speech that the new coalition Government will seek to remove barriers to flexible working for all employees.