Don’t let Wayne be a pain in workplace

FIRMS may be flouting discrimination laws by relaxing their rules to accommodate fans who want to watch crunch World Cup matches.

The warning comes from an Oldham employment-law specialist as Continental Tyres, one the worldwide companies sponsoring the FIFA World Cup, reporting that up to one in four workers plans to “take a sickie” during the tournament.

Michael Pitt, a partner at Pearson Hinchliffe LLP Commercial Law, Hollinwood, understands the pressure some companies may be feeling to allow temporary flexible working for football supporters to ensure business as usual.

He says: “Permitting employees to work through lunch, modify start and finish times or alter their shifts can make a lot of sense, but don’t treat soccer fans differently from other groups of workers — Wimbledon or Test cricket fans, for example — who may have had similar requests turned down in the past.”

He continued: “We know from previous big sporting events that some staff phone in sick because they want to watch a particular match or because they are feeling the effects of post-match celebrations.

“Establishing the truth can be tricky for employers who think the sickness isn’t genuine — but it is not impossible.”

He advised firms to get as much detail as possible from an employee who calls in sick — and from the return-to-work interview.

“Act on the information available, but fairly and consistently,” said Mr Pitt.

Employers should remind employees of the company’s holiday policy and, if demand for certain days off is high, consider allocating leave on a first-come first-served basis, or by drawing lots.

While he acknowledged that there may be a case for installing television for employees to watch matches at work, he strongly advises against allowing alcohol on the premises.

“It is not only that there could be genuine health and safety risks,” he says, adding: “But also that firms could damage their reputation if customers are left dealing with inebriated staff.”

Mr Pitt adds that employers should remind staff of their policies against race discrimination ahead of the World Cup.

“Employers may consider it appropriate to gently remind employees that they should avoid causing offence to workers of other nationalities when discussing the tournament with colleagues,” he concluded.


Sickness seminar
A number of local businesses took up the invitation of the Oldham Business Leadership Group to attend an absenteeism forum fronted by barrister Claire Rosney, from the Engineering Employers Federation.

The two-hour seminar, last Thursday, took place at the impressive Earl Business Centre on Dowry Street.