Want time off on Wednesday afternoon? Here’s a few options!

With World Cup fever reaching a frenzy, many companies are bracing themselves for a volley of requests for time off, absenteeism and decreased productivity on Wednesday afternoon.

England’s crunch group game against Slovenia kicks off at 3pm and the potential loss to local business productivity could run into millions.

Andrew Egan, an employment lawyer with Newbury law firm, Chares Lucas & Marshall says there are steps companies can take to mitigate the damage.

“There is no legal requirement for employers to give time off on Wednesday,” he says. “However, a creative approach and willingness to compromise can pay dividends in terms of staff loyalty, morale and enthusiasm.”

Options include allowing staff to tune into the match on the radio or have a TV screen at work – or employers could relax the rules about the number of employees allowed to take holiday at the same time.

“Given the current economic climate, it is understandable if employers require staff to use holiday entitlement or work flexibly to make up lost time if they wish to take time off,” added Andrew Egan.

“Letting people start earlier so they can finish earlier is another option or letting people swap shifts is another possibility – not everyone is interested in football.”

Employers should remind employees of their sickness and absence policies in advance.

“There is no point being killjoys about this – if England win and go on to do well, the feel good factor could be worth millions to the economy and we will all be celebrating,” says Andrew Egan.

Contact: andrew.egan@clmlaw.co.uk