watching sport at work

Many employers dread that major sporting events will lead to increased absenteeism, as staff take 'sickies' on match days. There is no legal requirement for employers to give employees time off to watch - for example - World Cup matches.

However, employers could gain a huge amount of goodwill by accommodating employee requests to follow matches. Granting time off can help to keep morale high and reduce absence, and there are ways for employers to do this while minimising disruption to business.

How can I persuade my boss to let staff have time off to watch a major sporting event? more...
Do I have any rights to watch a sporting event if my boss isn’t keen on the idea? more...
What might be the benefits for my boss in letting staff have time to watch big sporting events? more...
What practical steps could my boss take to help staff watch sporting events? more...
I'm not interested in sport. Will I end up doing all the work during big events? more...
I'm not an England supporter. Should I get the same arrangements to watch my own team's matches as my colleagues do? more...

further information

Note: This content is provided as general background information and should not be taken as legal advice or financial advice for your particular situation. Make sure to get individual advice on your case from your union, a source on our free help page or an independent financial advisor before taking any action.