BOSSES in Edinburgh have been warned to plan ahead for a surge in requests for time off, sickness absence and flexible working during the World Cup.
Independent workplace relations experts Acas have issued a list of top tips for employers to help bosses prepare for potential issues that could arise during the tournament.
They include suggestions to help accommodate fanatical employees desperate to watch their favourite nation – when matches are being screened in work time or through the night.
They also include a recommendation that workers may “need a reminder” about alcohol policies at work and the potential consequences of turning up under the influence.
Bosses are also advised they “may want to remind staff to be respectful to each other” – regardless of which nation they support.
There is also a reminder that there is a World Cup bank holiday on 15 June in Scotland – following the nation’s opening match against Haiti, “but it does not apply to England”.
Acas Head of Workplace Advice, Susan McGuigan, said: “The World Cup is an exciting event for many football fans but staff should avoid getting a red card for unreasonable demands or behaviour in the workplace during this period.
“Many organisations need to maintain a certain staffing level to operate effectively. Bosses should have a set of simple workplace agreements in place before kick-off to help ensure their businesses remain productive whilst keeping staff on side too.
“Our top tips can help managers get the best from their team players, arrange appropriate substitutions if necessary and avoid unnecessary penalties or unplanned sendings-off.”
The World Cup is taking place in Canada, Mexico and the USA until Sunday 19 July. Due to the time difference, match start times in the UK will vary between 5pm and 5am, with many workers keen to take in pre-match build ups.
According to Acas’ top tips: “Employers may wish to look at being a little more flexible when allowing workers time off during this period and staff should remember that it may not always be possible to book a holiday.
“The key is for both parties to try and come to an agreement. All requests for leave should be considered fairly. A consistent approach should be applied for holiday requests for other major events too as not everyone likes football.”
The tips include advice for employers to avoid staff drinking or being under the influence of alcohol at work, advising: “Some people may like to participate in a drink or two while watching the match or go to the pub and watch it live. Match times this year could start late at night into the early hours of the morning, which means fans could drink later than usual.
“It may be helpful to remind staff they must not come to work under the influence of alcohol and that anyone caught drinking at work or under the influence of alcohol in the workplace could be subject to disciplinary procedures.
“There may be a clear no alcohol policy at work but workers may need a reminder.”
Acas add: “Employers may want to remind staff that their sickness and attendance policies will still apply during the World Cup. Any unauthorised absence, patterns of absence or late attendance are likely to be investigated and could result in formal proceedings.”
However, they add: “One possible option is to have a more flexible working day. Workers could come in a little later or finish sooner and then agree when this time can be made up.”
They suggest allowing staff to listen to the radio or watch the TV “may be another possible option”, along with allowing breaks during match times or shift swaps.
Other advice covers the potential increased use of social media and websites during working hours and the “fair and consistent” application of any “additional benefits” during the highly anticipated event.
They add: “Employers should keep in mind that workers support a diverse range of national teams. Any plans and arrangements that are made at work should apply fairly to supporters of any team.
“Supporters can be passionate about a national team and managers may want to remind staff to be respectful to each other.”
Watch Haiti v Scotland on BBC TV and BBC iPlayer
Watch Haiti vs Scotland on BBC One and stunning UHD BBC iPlayer on Sunday 14 June, with kick off at 2am BST.
The BBC will have live coverage of the Group C from Boston Stadium.
A BBC Scotland spokesperson said: “Scotland play their first game at a World Cup in 28 years, as Steve Clarke’s team seek a winning start with matches still to come against Morocco and Brazil, who they met in the first game of their last campaign back in 1998.
“They sealed qualification in dramatic fashion by beating Denmark at Hampden Park last November and will be backed by huge numbers of the Tartan Army in Boston, who will be hoping for a better showing than at Euro 2024, when they exited with just one point from the group stage.
“Haiti have had to wait even longer for World Cup football having qualified for their second ever tournament, last making an appearance in 1974, when they were knocked out in the first round following defeats to Italy, Poland and Argentina.”
