Let staff watch the world cup, says TUC

The TUC has today urged bosses not to 'score an own goal' during the World Cup and to allow staff who wish to watch televised games to do so, either away from work or, if appropriate, somewhere on the company's premises.

According to separate research released this week by Manchester-based food firm Kellogg’s, 7.4 million UK workers – over 15% of the working population – are planning to catch every match. However, only one in ten workers say they will actually be allowed by their employer to take time off for the games.

According to the Kellogg’s research, a fifth of workers are considering taking time off to watch the football or recover from the night before, but only one in 20 workers said they were happy to use their own holidays to do so.

Rather than showing staff the red card for throwing 'sickies' in order to catch the games from South Africa, the TUC believes next month's football tournament is a perfect opportunity for employers to introduce working flexible hours. 

The TUC believes that flexible working has real benefits for businesses and also for their workforces, and is calling on those employers yet to embrace greater flexibility to use the World Cup as an opportunity to try it out.

The World Cup, taking place between Friday 11 June and Sunday 11 July, has televised games kicking off at various times, with some matches starting at 12.30pm UK time. 

According to the World Cup schedule, published by FIFA, England has one game scheduled to kick off during the day, the final group stage match against Slovenia, which kicks off at 3pm on Wednesday 23 June. Should England progress to the knockout stages of the World Cup they are not scheduled to play any further matches before 7.30pm Monday to Friday.

The TUC is also urging employers to bear in mind the one in five UK employees who work outside core-hours, many of whom will also want to watch the World Cup, as well as UK-based workers of different nationalities who want to watch their home team. 

TUC General Secretary, Brendan Barber, said:

“Of course some people won't want to watch the World Cup, but for those who would like to follow games at home, in the pub, or on the radio or internet at work, the best way to ease tensions is for employers to discuss the issue with staff.

“Rather than impose a blanket ban on football, and run the risk of de-motivating staff and losing hours through unauthorised sick days, we would encourage employers to let people watch the games if they like – and claim back their time afterwards. That way, everyone wins.” 

Mr Barber's comments come as a survey by job specialists Simplyhired.com found that more job applicants prioritised work–life balance than pay.

Barber added:

“People in England work the longest hours in Europe and we believe rigid working hours contribute to their unhappiness. 

“Whether it's about watching great sporting events like the World Cup or collecting children from school, allowing people more flexibility makes them happier and, ultimately, more productive for their employers.

“Employers who adopt flexible working patterns see the benefits because their production rates go up, they have less absenteeism and a more contented workforce.”