World Cup absence ‘must be monitored’

While the World Cup is in full swing, a UK employment body is giving advice on how to handle a potential increase in employees looking to take sick days in order to watch more of the matches.

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) is recommending that employers and in charge of HR strategy and practice monitor attendance closely during the tournament as well as making staff aware of policies regarding absences.

Fiona Coombe, REC director of professional development, has urged organisations to enforce effective rules in this area and to remind workers that days off linked to football are a serious matter that could lead to investigations.

One potentially problematic day facing company bosses in June 23rd, the date England play their final group game against Slovenia, with a kick-off time of 15:00 BST.

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The Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development suggested that flexible working may be a good tactic to deploy during the tournament with a number of other big games set to be played during what will likely be ordinary office hours for many UK firms.

Posted by Hayley Edwards