Will World Cup 'sickies' hit your business?

The World Cup may be a great occasion but it can cause headaches for employers as workers suddenly go absent to watch big matches.

Staff absence traditionally rises during the World Cup month and while the excitement may be understandable, you still have a business to run.

Even the most conscientious of workers may be tempted to 'throw a sickie' so they can watch the big game, or they may call in ill because they are hung over from over-exuberant celebrations the night before.

There is, of course, no statutory right to take time off to watch football so employees will need to abide by the company's annual leave policy when requesting time off. Unauthorised absence could lead to disciplinary action, but in reality, it is better to plan ahead and try to avoid conflict.

The key is to have a clear cut policy that's fair to all and easily understood. Some firms may be able to provide TVs and allow staff to take a few hours off to watch the game on the understanding they make the time up later.

Be wary, however of being too hospitable by letting staff drink alcohol, especially if they have to drive or operate machinery as this could lead to health and safety issues. Employers could also be liable for an employee's behaviour if it results in personal injury.

Many firms cannot be flexible and so staff may have to use up holiday entitlement to ensure they get time off. In this case, it's important to ensure that there are clear and fair rules for booking such leave.

If there are likely to be too many request then employers could use a first come first served basis, or they could get employees to draw lots. People who miss out on one key match could be given preferential treatment for the next.

It's also possible that there may be workers who support teams other than England. They should be treated the same as England fans and given the same rights.

Remember too that this is no time for sexism - women must be given the same rights as men to watch the matches.

Of course, no matter how even handed you try to be there's a chance that some fans will still be tempted to throw the last minute sickie to get their way.

Employers should make sure that every employee knows that such behaviour could be considered gross misconduct and could lead to dismissal. However, care should be taken when reacting later to staff suddenly falling sick on the day of a crucial game.

It may be a genuine illness. The employee should be asked to produce a sick note or evidence that they really were unwell. If he fails to provide a satisfactory explanation the employer may be entitled to take action in line with the firm's disciplinary policy and the ACAS Disciplinary Code.

But the real victory is to prevent it ever coming to that. Get the policy in place, let everyone know where they stand and there shouldn't be too many problems.

A little flexibility and goodwill can bring enormous dividends in terms of staff morale.

For more information please contact Anthony Kay on 0115 988 6739.