Partner Article

The waiting game

EMBATTLED workers whose employer is yet to give them the green light to watch England’s crucial game this afternoon, could point their miserly bosses in the direction of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

The organisation has declared that giving staff time off to cheer on Fabio Capello’s side could be better for productivity in the long run, and you wouldn’t want to effect productivity would you?

The FSB’s Eric Beech said: “I think it’s fair to say that come 3pm today workplaces and businesses aren’t going to be as productive as they would usually be,” he said. “But that will be balanced out by people making up for it in other ways. Many staff will be happy to work through lunch or come in early if they are going to be allowed to watch the match.

“And if your boss shows a bit of flexibility you are going to remember it and be more likely to go above and beyond in the future.”

North East digital agency Orange Bus has certainly taken the FSB’s words on board. “The whole team are going to watch the match down at the North Terrace pub, 100 yards from our office,” said Co founder Mike Parker.

Meanwhile Newcastle law firm Mincoffs warned bosses to be wary of staff who demand the afternoon off.

Partner and head of employment law Nick Smith said: “It is an important game for the country however it is not compulsory that employers give time off to employees to watch the match. The fact that many employers will be, is up to their discretion to keep the workforce happy so that they are not distracted unduly. Many have taken into account what the TUC have said and decided to work around it, for example giving employees the option to come in earlier in order that they can then watch the game.

“With regards to the expected rise in sickness absences, no one can help if they are ill but those who are not genuinely ill must bear in mind that any unauthorised absence is a disciplinary offence.”

Wherever you watch it, enjoy the game!

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .