Home > News > June 2006 > 05-Jun-2006

Acas offers World Cup absence advice

The World Cup is already inspiring great debates even before the first ball has been kicked, but also inspiring Acas, ordinarily an impartial adviser, to take the unprecedented step of coming off the sidelines to referee perhaps the greatest contest of the Cup - that of employer versus employee on how best to watch the matches that count!

Acas chief executive John Taylor said: "This is so serious a debate that we have had to issue a website FAQ page at www.acas.org.uk, covering everything from does my employer have to provide me with access to the games if I am working, to my employee has a pattern of history of taking 'sickies' whenever there is an important game.

"However, all fun aside, these can be very tricky issues to tackle. We want to avoid trouble, reward good behaviour and allow Acas and its staff to have a more enjoyable time during the games as well."

Acas has published a FAQ sheet and other general information about the issue of absences on its website.

Top tips from Acas to avoid a red card include:

• Be flexible wherever possible to avoid discriminatory practices
• If possible, provide a 'rest area' with a television screen so that individuals can use their breaks to watch the match
• Be aware that we live in a diverse and multinational society with a range of national games that people want to watch
• Ensure that staff are aware of any restrictive policies already in place, such as absence, web/internet and drugs and alcohol

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