FSB News Release

PR/2006/48

Issue date:  Friday 28 April 2006

EMBARGOED UNTIL 0001 MONDAY 1 MAY 2006

Firms warned to be flexible to avoid World Cup hangover

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) today warned small firms to be prepared so they can make the most out of the World Cup.

Increased buying by consumers during the tournament will provide a boost to trade but this could be offset by staffing crises brought on by employees missing work to watch the games.

The FSB advises small firms to prevent problems by considering options such as:

• developing flexible working practices during the tournament where possible;
• reminding staff of leave policies;
• setting up a first come first served leave system during the tournament
• allowing televisions into the workplace to prevent people missing work to watch the matches.

Employees should also be reminded that ‘throwing a sickie’ is a disciplinary offence as research has shown that as many as 1 in 7 men and 1 in 20 women may take a ‘sickie’ during the tournament.

John Walker, FSB National Policy Chairman, said:

“We’re all looking forward to watching the World Cup in Germany.  If firms can manage absences it will avoid many unexpected problems.  In smaller firms one person’s absence can hit a business hard so it is even more vital for them to handle this issue.

“The impact on our economy of the World Cup can be hugely beneficial.  People buy more food and drink during the tournament or visit a local pub to watch the games.  The feel good factor will also boost wider retail sales.  If absences from work can be minimised, this will increase the benefit to the economy.  The World Cup will be a fantastic tournament and - providing sensible precautions are taken - this will extend to our businesses, benefiting both owners and employees alike.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. Research by workplace advice experts Croner is the source for the figures on sickies.  See http://www.croner.co.uk/croner/jsp/Editorial.do?cache=true&channelId=-238414&contentId=474627&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes
2. Also, during the 2002 World Cup, the Germany against Ireland group game was televised at lunch time in Germany.  When their team did not win many German workers stayed in the bar to drown their sorrows for the afternoon.  The absences that afternoon cost the German economy an estimated 1.3 billion euros.
3. The FSB will be producing a guide to members on how to deal with unjustified absence closer to the start of the tournament.
4. The FSB is Britain's biggest business organisation with 195,000 members.  It exists to protect and promote the interests of the self-employed, and all those who run their own business. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk.

Contacts:

FSB Chief Spokesman
Stephen Alambritis: 07788 422 155

FSB Press Office
Matthew Knowles: 020 7592 8113 / 07917 628991
Simon Briault 020 7592 8128 / 07917 628998