Employers have been warned to prepare for absenteeism and potential discrimination issues during the 2010 FIFA World Cup
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Acas and law firm, HBJ Gately Wareing have all issued guidance on how to manage employment issues during the tournament. The FSB advice covers employees who have asked in advance for time off as well as employees who phone in sick or fail to turn up. It recommends using a flexible working system or granting special unpaid leave.
Other advice includes keeping a chart of the date and time of matches to flag suspicious absences, ensuring there is a reliable method of recording sickness absences, and reminding employees that any absences during this period will be carefully scrutinised. The prospect of providing an explanation can also acts as a deterrent.
HBJ Gately Wareing employment law partner, Victoria Garrad says: “Lots of employees won’t have had pay rises or bonuses this year so this is an opportunity to show staff they’re valued.
“Employers may want to show football games in the workplace or allowing staff annual leave to avoid absenteeism.”
Garrad adds that employers should make clear that no bullying or harassment will be tolerated and should avoid making discriminatory assumptions, for example, that men will be more interested in the matches.”
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