Firms advised to plan for World Cup

NORTHERN BUSINESS: Absenteeism is expected to increase during the World Cup and employers in Northern Ireland are advised to tackle the problem before the tournament begins on May 31st.

With most games taking place during the day, the Federation of Small Businesses has said employers fear staff may phone in sick or not turn up for work at all on match days.

"Bosses can score points with their staff by making plans now and talking about the potential problem," said Mr Wilfred Mitchell, FSB policy chairman.

"There is simply no point in turning down an employee's request for time off on principle alone. Not only will this serve to disenchant the employee, it may also result in him or her taking the time off anyway and either phoning in sick or being on unauthorized absence."

The federation has also released recommendations to help minimise the problems anticipated over the World Cup period. These include:

Agree with employees that they can take the relevant days off as part of their annual leave entitlement

Grant employees special unpaid leave. If only a limited number of staff can be off at any one time, this leave should be granted on a first-come, first-served basis and employees could be encouraged to contribute a few hours pay to charity

Operate a flexi-time system on match days so that staff can watch the matches by, for example, granting them a longer lunch break or allowing them to come into work later and make up the time

Allow staff to listen to the radio or watch television during short breaks at work but make it clear that this is a privilege that will be withdrawn if abused

Senior employment lawyer Mr Murray Fairclough said staff should be issued with an office memo which details the positive measures being introduced to allow everyone to enjoy the World Cup. But while employers are playing ball with workers, foul play should not be tolerated, he added.

"The memo should also advise that disciplinary action will be taken if they turn up late for work, fail to turn up at all on match days or abuse alcohol employees should also be told that if they phone in sick on key match days they must provide medical evidence," he said. "The golden rule here is to try to take action to prevent this happening in the first place."