It will be business as usual when World Cup fever takes a grip
in the coming weeks, a survey by Birmingham and Solihull Chamber of
Commerce (BCI) has revealed today.
While a third of employers expect to experience an increase in
absence or sick leave during the tournament, nearly half will be
making no provision for workers to watch key matches.
Katie Teasdale, head of policy at BCI, said fortunately, the
majority of England's games have fallen outside working hours with
only the final group game against Slovenia posing a problem with a
3pm kick off on June 23.
She said: "Only 20 per cent of companies have said they will
make provision for games involving England.
"Sixteen per cent of companies envisage a decrease in turnover
as a result of the football feast while 72 per cent predict no
change in turnover at all.
"We would encourage employees not to leave companies in the
lurch and an open dialogue would prevent any penalties."
The survey also reveals that only 32 per cent of West Midlands
businesses believe that England will be victorious this summer.