Olympics: employer guidance

The London 2012 Olympic Games run from 27 July until 12 August, and the Paralympic Games from 29 August to 9 September. 

While the Games will create opportunities for many businesses, they may also present employers with some challenges. It is therefore important that employers plan ahead to ensure that they are prepared for any issues that arise in the run-up to, and during, the Olympic Games. To help employers deal with any issues that may arise, we have gathered together information from XpertHR on the subject, along with links to external resources for employers. 

For ease of reference, we have divided the potential issues that may arise into the following sections: Olympics volunteers, Sunday working, temporary working, overtime, time off work, flexible working arrangements, unauthorised absence, travel disruption, watching the Olympics at work, drinking or being under the influence at work, misconduct outside work, disabled visitors, reservists and hospitality. Each section is further divided into subsections. 

Subscribers can suggest questions relating to the Olympic Games by clicking on the suggest a question tab in the FAQs section. 

 

On this page:
Olympics volunteers
Sunday working
Temporary working
Overtime
Time off work
Flexible working arrangements
Unauthorised absence
Travel disruption
Watching the Olympics at work
Drinking or being under the influence at work
Misconduct outside work
Disabled visitors
Reservists
Hospitality

 

Olympics volunteers

 

The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be supported by up to 70,000 volunteers, known as "Games Makers". The individuals selected to be Games Makers will be required to attend training days and the volunteering days themselves. In the coming weeks, employers are therefore likely to receive requests from employees for time off work to meet their volunteering commitments. 

This section provides information on the issue of staff volunteering for the Olympic Games. 

 

FAQs on Olympics volunteers
XpertHR model policies and documents on Olympics volunteers
Olympics volunteers advice and information on XpertHR
External sources of information on Olympics volunteers

 

 

FAQs on Olympics volunteers

> What are employers' legal obligations in relation to employees who want time off to volunteer at the London 2012 Olympic and/or Paralympic Games?

> What are the options for employers when employees request time off to volunteer for the 2012 Olympics?

> How should employers deal with competing requests for time off to attend or volunteer at the Olympic Games?

> How can employers avoid allegations of discriminatory and/or unfair treatment if they give employees time off to volunteer for the Olympic Games?

> What should employers include in a policy on volunteering for the Olympic Games?

> How should employers deal with unauthorised absence that arises due to employees' volunteer duties?

> What are the potential advantages for employers that adopt a supportive approach to employees who want to volunteer for the 2012 Olympics?

We will continue to add FAQs on the issue of Olympics volunteers to the site in response to questions suggested by employers. 

 

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XpertHR model policies and documents on Olympics volunteers

Policy on staff volunteering for the Olympic Games
Use this model policy to explain how your organisation will support employees who wish to do volunteer work for the London 2012 Olympic Games. 

Letter reminding employees who are volunteering for the Olympic Games of how the employer is supporting them
Use this model letter to remind an employee who is doing volunteer work for the London 2012 Olympic Games of how your organisation is supporting him or her. 

 

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Olympics volunteers advice and information on XpertHR

2012 Olympics volunteers: overview
Employees who wish to be 2012 Olympics volunteers will need to make a commitment that is likely to impact on their employer. Employers need to decide how they will deal with requests for time off by Olympics volunteers. 

2012 Olympics volunteers: case study
This case study looks at a situation in which two employees request leave to enable them to be London 2012 Olympics volunteers. 

2012 Olympics volunteers: checklist
Checklist to help employers to prepare for issues that may arise in the run-up to, and during, the 2012 Olympics. 

Podcast: Olympics volunteers
This podcast looks at the implications for employers of the volunteer programme for the London 2012 Olympics. 

Outlook video: Time off for Olympics volunteers
XpertHR's head of content Jo Stubbs and senior employment law editor Clio Springer discuss employers' obligations with regard to time off work in relation to volunteers for the Olympic Games. 

Run this search on XpertHR for further information on Olympics volunteers. 

 

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External sources of information on Olympics volunteers

Volunteers
Information from official London 2012 website. 

Directgov - Volunteering at the Games: be a part of London 2012
Find out about the different ways to be involved with the London 2012 Games. 

Acas - Volunteers
As the countdown to the Games continues, Acas has published guidance to help employers understand the legal rights of volunteers and the responsibilities they have towards them and how volunteering can help their business. 

 

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Sunday working

 

The six-hour Sunday trading limit that applies to large shops (with a relevant floor area of more than 280 square metres) is being temporarily relaxed for eight consecutive Sundays during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. As the Olympic Games are fast approaching, the Government has also temporarily reduced the notice that shop workers in these shops must give to opt out of Sunday working from three months to two months. The reduced notice period applies where notice is given during a special pre-Olympics Games period of 1 May 2012 to 9 July 2012. 

This section provides information on this subject and on Sunday working generally. 

 

FAQs on Sunday working
XpertHR model documents on Sunday working
XpertHR employment law manual section on Sunday working for shop and betting workers
XpertHR quick reference on Sunday working: Table setting out end dates for opt-out notice given during pre-Games period
Liveflo flowcharts on Sunday working
Outlook video on Sunday working
Sunday working advice and information on XpertHR
External sources of information on Sunday working

 

 

FAQs on Sunday working

> What special arrangements have been put in place for shop workers in large shops to opt out of Sunday working during the Olympics and Paralympics period?

> What is a "protected" shop or betting worker?

> What rights does a protected shop or betting worker have?

> Can shop or betting workers forfeit their protected status?

> Can non-protected shop or betting workers opt out of Sunday working?

> Are employers required to inform shop and betting workers of their right to opt out of Sunday working?

We will continue to add FAQs on Sunday working to the site in response to questions suggested by employers. 

 

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XpertHR model documents on Sunday working

Letter explaining the temporary change to the right of shop workers in large shops to opt out of Sunday working during the Olympic and Paralympic Games
Use this model letter to provide a shop worker in a large shop who can be required to work on Sundays with information on the temporary change to his or her rights to opt out of Sunday working as a result of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

Letter acknowledging Sunday working opt-out notice from shop or betting worker
Use this model letter to acknowledge a Sunday working opt-out notice from a shop or betting worker. 

Model letter explaining shop and betting workers' rights to opt out of Sunday working
Use this model letter to provide a shop worker or betting worker who can be required to work on Sundays with information on the right to opt out of Sunday working. 

 

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XpertHR employment law manual section on Sunday working for shop and betting workers

Sunday working for shop and betting workers
The XpertHR employment law manual provides information on Sunday working for shop and betting workers. 

 

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XpertHR quick reference on Sunday working: Table setting out end dates for opt-out notice given during pre-Games period

Temporary Sunday working opt-out rules during Olympics
Use this quick reference table to check the date that an opt-out notice given during the pre-Games period ends. 

 

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Liveflo flowcharts on Sunday working

Shop or betting worker's notice to opt out of Sunday working
Deal with a shop or betting worker's notice to opt out of Sunday working with the help of this interactive Liveflo flowchart. 

Non-protected shop or betting worker's right to object to Sunday working
Explain the right to object to Sunday working to a non-protected shop or betting worker with the help of this interactive Liveflo flowchart. 

 

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Outlook video on Sunday working

Outlook video: Temporary change to the rules on opting out of Sunday working
XpertHR's head of content Jo Stubbs and senior employment law editor Clio Springer discuss the temporary change to the rules on opting out of Sunday working over the period of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

 

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Sunday working advice and information on XpertHR

Boots unlawfully reduced long-serving workers' pay premium for Sundays and bank holidays
In this case, the retailer Boots took a business decision to reduce long-serving workers' double time for Sunday and bank holiday working to time-and-a-half, but the employment tribunal found this to be an unlawful variation of the workers' terms and conditions of employment. 

 

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External sources of information on Sunday working

Sunday Trading (London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games) Act 2012
The full text of the Act can be viewed on the UK legislation website. 

Sunday Trading Bill receives Royal Assent for Olympic Games
The Government's press release can be viewed on the BIS website. 

Sunday trading during the London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games 2012
Further information on the BIS website. 

Directgov - Sunday work
Guidance from the Government on Sunday work and the temporary changes. 

The rules about working on Sunday
Guidance from Business Link on Sunday working. 

 

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Temporary working

 

Employers may need to engage temporary staff to help out in the run-up to, and during, the Olympic and Paralympic Games. However, prior to engaging such staff, employers need to be aware of the rights of temporary workers and the responsibilities employers have towards them. 

This section provides information on temporary working. 

 

FAQs on temporary working
XpertHR model documents on temporary working
XpertHR employment law manual section on temporary working

 

 

FAQs on temporary working

> What is the status of workers engaged on casual or zero hours contracts?

> When does a temporary or casual worker become an employee?

> Does an employer have to pay holiday pay to its casual workers?

We will continue to add FAQs on temporary working to the site in response to questions suggested by employers. 

 

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XpertHR model documents on temporary working

Letter making a formal offer of temporary employment
Use this model letter when an offer of temporary employment is to be made. 

 

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XpertHR employment law manual section on temporary working

Temporary workers
The XpertHR employment law manual provides information on temporary workers. 

 

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Overtime

 

In the run-up to, and during, the Olympic and Paralympic Games, employers may be especially busy, and may need their employees to work overtime. 

This section provides information on employee overtime. 

 

FAQs on overtime
XpertHR model policies and documents on overtime

 

 

FAQs on overtime

> Are employers required to pay a premium to employees who work overtime?

> Can employees be required to work paid or unpaid overtime?

We will continue to add FAQs on overtime to the site in response to questions suggested by employers. 

 

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XpertHR model policies and documents on overtime

Overtime policy
Use this model policy to set out the terms under which employees will work overtime. 

Overtime contract clause
Use this model contract clause in the contract of employment where an employee is likely to be working overtime. 

 

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Time off work

 

As the Olympic and Paralympic Games fast approach, employers may need to deal with a large proportion of staff requesting annual leave at the same time to watch the Olympic Games. 

This section provides information on how to deal with employee requests to take time off work during the Olympic Games. 

 

FAQs on time off work
XpertHR model policies on time off work
XpertHR good pratice guide on time off work
XpertHR line manager briefing on time off work
Time off work advice and information on XpertHR
External sources of information on time off work

 

 

FAQs on time off work

> Can workers take holiday whenever they like?

> Can an employer refuse holiday requests during a particular period?

> How should employers deal with competing requests for time off to attend or volunteer at the Olympic Games?

We will continue to add FAQs on time off work to the site in response to questions suggested by employers. 

 

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XpertHR model policies on time off work

Policy on sporting and other special events
Use this model policy to deal with time off work and other issues arising at the time of sporting or other special events such as the Olympic Games. 

Holiday policy
Use this model policy to set out the employer's rules on holiday entitlement. 

Policy on buying and selling holiday
Use this model policy to allow an employee to buy and sell holiday entitlement, when drafting his or her contract or terms and conditions of employment. 

 

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XpertHR good practice guide on time off work

Good practice: Annual leave
This section of the XpertHR good practice manual provides guidance on giving employees more control over their annual leave to increase employee engagement and improving business efficacy by managing the annual leave process. 

 

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XpertHR line manager briefing on time off work

Line manager briefing on annual leave
This line manager briefing covers the topic of annual leave and aims to help line managers to understand the laws on holiday entitlement and holiday pay and how they have been interpreted by courts and tribunals. 

 

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Time off work advice and information on XpertHR

Weekly dilemma: Annual leave and the 2012 Olympics
A weekly dilemma concerning an employer worried about how it will handle holiday requests from staff to attend the 2012 Olympics. 

Preparing a game plan: a tactical approach for employers for the Olympic Games
There are several areas that employers should consider in order to ensure minimal disruption during London 2012, says Andrew Browning. 

 

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External sources of information on time off work

Planning information for businesses (PDF format, 1.11MB)
Information from the official London 2012 website. 

The Olympic Games
Information from Acas. 

 

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Flexible working arrangements

 

Employers may consider having more flexible working arrangements during the Olympic and Paralympic Games period. Such arrangements may be appropriate where, for example, employees experience disruptions, travel or otherwise, during the Games, or where employees wish to have a longer lunch-break or leave work a bit earlier to watch the Games. Flexible working arrangements may include flexible start and finish times, homeworking and shift swaps. 

This section provides information on the issue of flexible working arrangements during the Olympic Games. 

 

FAQs on flexible working arrangements
XpertHR model policies and documents on flexible working arrangements
XpertHR good practice guide on flexible working arrangements
XpertHR line manager briefing on flexible working arrangements
Flexible working arrangements advice and information on XpertHR
External sources of information on flexible working arrangements

 

 

FAQs on flexible working arrangements

> Can employers require employees to work different hours or from a different location during the Olympics?

> Can employees be required to work from home if the transport system is disrupted because of the Olympic Games?

> Is an employer under an obligation to conduct a risk assessment where an employee will temporarily be working from home during the Olympics?

> Where an employer allows employees to work at home during the Olympics will this mean the employer will be obliged to let them work from home permanently should they wish?

We will continue to add FAQs on flexible working arrangements to the site in response to questions suggested by employers. 

 

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XpertHR model policies and documents on flexible working arrangements

Policy on sporting and other special events
Use this model policy to deal with flexibility in working time and other issues arising at the time of sporting or other special events such as the Olympic Games. 

General policy statement on flexible working
Use this model policy to set out the different options for the company to utilise flexible working practices to improve work-life balance and improve business efficiency. 

Homeworking policy
Use this model policy to specify when employees will be able to work from home, when drafting the company's policy manual or staff handbook. 

Shift-swap policy
Use this model policy to set out the process by which employees can agree to swap shifts with colleagues. 

Procedure on varying terms and conditions
Use this model procedure to set out the steps that the organisation will take when it seeks to vary terms and conditions of employment. 

Flexitime contract clause
Use this model contract clause to allow employees to undertake flexitime, when drafting an employee's contract or terms and conditions of employment. 

Homeworking agreement (contract clause)
Use this model agreement when it has been agreed that an employee is to work from home, to set out the terms and conditions of homeworking. 

Shift-swap agreement form
Use this model form for employees to request a shift swap. 

 

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XpertHR good practice guide on flexible working arrangements

Good practice: Flexible working
This section of the XpertHR good practice manual discusses the importance of flexible working, the issues involved in drawing up an organisational policy, and the main types of flexible working. 

 

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XpertHR line manager briefing on flexible working arrangements

Line manager briefing on homeworking
This line manager briefing examines the law and good practice on homeworking. 

 

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Flexible working arrangements advice and information on XpertHR

Managing absence during the Olympic Games
With several high-profile events taking place in the UK this year, employers may experience higher absence rates. David Prosser, strategic development manager at AXA PPP healthcare, explores the steps that organisations should consider to prevent major disruption to business. 

Preparing a game plan: a tactical approach for employers for the Olympic Games
There are several areas that employers should consider in order to ensure minimal disruption during London 2012, says Andrew Browning. 

Employers' plans for the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics: XpertHR survey
Employers that believe the Olympics will affect their business have put plans in place to minimise disruption, focusing primarily on flexible working arrangements. 

 

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External sources of information on flexible working arrangements

Planning information for businesses (PDF format, 1.11MB)
Information from the official London 2012 website. 

The Olympic Games
Information from Acas. 

 

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Unauthorised absence

 

Given that there is potential for the Olympic and Paralympic Games to lead to increased unauthorised absence (including non-genuine sickness absence), employers may wish to put specific rules and procedures in place in relation to this in advance of the Olympic Games. 

This section provides information on the issue of unauthorised absence during the Olympic Games. 

 

FAQs on unauthorised absence
XpertHR model policies and documents on unauthorised absence
XpertHR good pratice guide dealing with unauthorised absence
XpertHR "how to" on unauthorised absence
Unauthorised absence advice and information on XpertHR
External sources of information on unauthorised absence

 

 

FAQs on unauthorised absence

> What action can employers take in advance of the Olympic Games to discourage absenteeism?

> What should an employer do if it suspects that an employee’s reported sickness absence is not genuine and is due instead to him or her taking time off work to attend or watch an Olympic or Paralympic Games event?

> What constitutes an unauthorised absence?

> Should employers deal with all types of unauthorised absence in the same way?

> Are employers obliged to pay employees for periods of absence that are unauthorised?

> Can an employer lawfully dismiss an employee whose absence is not authorised?

We will continue to add FAQs on unauthorised absence to the site in response to questions suggested by employers. 

 

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XpertHR model policies and documents on unauthorised absence

Policy on sporting and other special events
Use this model policy to deal with unauthorised absence and other issues arising at the time of sporting or other special events such as the Olympic Games. 

Unauthorised absence policy
Use this model policy to set out how your organisation will deal with an employee who fails, without permission, to attend work, return from holiday or sick leave or who does not comply with your absence reporting procedure. 

Disciplinary procedure
Use this model procedure to set out your organisation's disciplinary process. 

Contract clause on deductions from wages for unauthorised absence
Use this contract clause in the contract of employment to allow deductions from pay for absence without authorisation. 

Unauthorised absence letter
Use this model letter where an employee has failed to report for work without explanation. 

Letter inviting an employee to attend a disciplinary hearing
Use this model letter to invite an employee to a hearing following an instance or instances of unsatisfactory job performance or misconduct. 

 

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XpertHR good practice guide dealing with unauthorised absence

Good practice: Attendance management
This section of the XpertHR good practice manual discusses the management of attendance, including attendance procedures, attendance review meetings, possible causes of frequent non-attendance and ways of encouraging and promoting attendance. 

 

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XpertHR "how to" on unauthorised absence

How to deal with unauthorised absence
Practical steps employers can take. 

 

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Unauthorised absence advice and information on XpertHR

Unauthorised absence: overview
Sarah-Marie Williams of Clyde & Co LLP begins a series of articles on unauthorised absence with an overview. 

Unauthorised absence: checklist
Sarah-Marie Williams of Clyde & Co LLP continues a series of articles on unauthorised absence with a checklist to help employers deal with and reduce unauthorised absence. 

Managing absence during the Olympic Games
With several high-profile events taking place in the UK this year, employers may experience higher absence rates. David Prosser, strategic development manager at AXA PPP healthcare, explores the steps that organisations should consider to prevent major disruption to business. 

Preparing a game plan: a tactical approach for employers for the Olympic Games
There are several areas that employers should consider in order to ensure minimal disruption during London 2012, says Andrew Browning. 

Run this search on XpertHR for further information on unauthorised absence. 

 

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External sources of information on unauthorised absence

Planning information for businesses (PDF format, 1.11MB)
Information from the official London 2012 website. 

 

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Travel disruption

 

Employers' staff may be affected by travel disruption during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Employers will therefore need to consider how they can keep the effects of transport disruption on their business to a minimum during the Olympic Games. 

This section provides information on the issue of travel disruption during the Olympic Games. 

 

FAQs on travel disruption
XpertHR model policies on travel disruption
XpertHR "how to" on travel disruption
XpertHR line manager briefing relevant to travel disruption
External sources of information on travel disruption

 

 

FAQs on travel disruption

> Can employees be required to work from home if the transport system is disrupted because of the Olympic Games?

> Is an employer required to pay employees who arrive late or do not arrive at all due to disruptions to public transport?

We will continue to add FAQs on travel disruption to the site in response to questions suggested by employers. 

 

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XpertHR model policies on travel disruption

Severe weather and disruptions to public transport policy
Use this model policy to set out how employers should manage employees who face difficulties attending their place of work and returning home during periods of severe weather or when there are disruptions to transport. 

 

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XpertHR "how to" on travel disruption

How to deal with employment issues caused by severe weather or disruptions to public transport
Practical steps employers can take. 

 

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XpertHR line manager briefing relevant to travel disruption

Line manager briefing on homeworking
This line manager briefing examines the law and good practice on homeworking. 

 

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External sources of information on travel disruption

Travel advice for businesses
Information from the official London 2012 website. 

Planning information for businesses (PDF format, 1.11MB)
Information from the official London 2012 website. 

Get Ahead of the Games
The Get Ahead of the Games website contains information you need to find out if and when your journey is likely to be affected, and travel advice for businesses. 

London 2012 Games
Information from Transport for London website. 

The Olympic Games
Information from Acas. 

Welcome to London course
On the Greater London Authority website, an online course with practical information about the Games including information on the issue of transport. 

 

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Watching the Olympics at work

 

Employers should be alert to the potential issue of employees wishing to watch the Olympic or Paralympic Games during working hours, either on television or the internet. In the run-up to the Olympic Games it may therefore be worthwhile for employers to remind employees of their rules in relation to television and internet use and that those rules apply to following the Olympic Games. If employers wish to allow employees to watch some of the Olympic Games during working hours, they will need to vary their policy accordingly. 

This section provides information on the issue of employees who wish to watch the Olympic Games during work hours. 

 

FAQs on watching the Olympics at work
XpertHR model policies and documents on watching the Olympics at work
Watching the Olympics at work advice and information on XpertHR

 

 

FAQs on watching the Olympics at work

> How should employers deal with employees who spend work time following the Olympic Games on the internet?

We will continue to add FAQs on watching the Olympics at work to the site in response to questions suggested by employers. 

 

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XpertHR model policies on watching the Olympics at work

Policy on sporting and other special events
Use this model policy to deal with watching an event at work and other issues arising at the time of sporting or other special events such as the Olympic Games. 

E-mail and internet policy for employees
Use this model policy to outline the details on the use of email and the internet at work. 

 

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Watching the Olympics at work advice and information on XpertHR

Preparing a game plan: a tactical approach for employers for the Olympic Games
There are several areas that employers should consider in order to ensure minimal disruption during London 2012, says Andrew Browning. 

 

Back to watching the Olympics at work

 

Drinking or being under the influence at work

 

Employers should be alert to the potential issue of employees turning up to work under the influence of alcohol or drinking during working hours as part of the Olympic or Paralympic Games festivities. In the run-up to the Olympic Games it may therefore be advisable for employers to remind employees of their rules on alcohol and drug abuse at work and that those rules apply during the Olympic Games. 

This section provides information on the issue of employees who turn up to work under the influence of alcohol or drink during working hours as part of the Olympic Games festivities. 

 

FAQs on drinking or being under the influence at work
XpertHR model policies and documents on drinking or being under the influence at work

 

 

FAQs on drinking or being under the influence at work

> Where an employer suspects that an employee is working under the influence of alcohol, what action can it take?

We will continue to add FAQs on drinking or being under the influence at work to the site in response to questions suggested by employers. 

 

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XpertHR model policies on drinking or being under the influence at work

Policy on sporting and other special events
Use this model policy to deal with employees drinking or being under the influence of alcohol at work and other issues arising at the time of sporting or other special events such as the Olympic Games. 

Alcohol and substance abuse policy and procedure
Use this model policy and procedure to outline the company's rules on drug and alcohol abuse at work and the steps to taken to reduce the associated health and safety risks. 

 

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Misconduct outside work

 

There is a possibility that some employees watching the Olympic or Paralympic Games in a pub or other public venue may drink too much alcohol which may in turn result in misconduct. 

This section provides information on the issue of employee misconduct outside work. 

 

FAQs on misconduct outside work
XpertHR model policies on misconduct outside work
Misconduct outside work advice and information on XpertHR

 

 

FAQs on misconduct outside work

> Is it permissible to dismiss an employee on the grounds of misconduct that occurred outside the workplace?

> Can an employer fairly dismiss an employee because he or she has a criminal conviction for football hooliganism?

We will continue to add FAQs on misconduct outside work to the site in response to questions suggested by employers. 

 

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XpertHR model policies on misconduct outside work

Policy on sporting and other special events
Use this model policy to deal with criminal conduct outside work and other issues arising at the time of sporting or other special events such as the Olympic Games. 

Policy on employees charged with or convicted of criminal offences and convictions
Use this model policy to set out how to manage employees charged with or convicted of criminal offences, when drafting a staff handbook or criminal charges/convictions policy. 

 

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Misconduct outside work advice and information on XpertHR

Misconduct outside work: overview
Elizabeth Stevens of Steeles (Law) LLP looks at whether or not it is reasonable for employers to take action against employees because of their misconduct outside work and the procedure for doing so. 

Misconduct outside work: checklist
Elizabeth Stevens of Steeles (Law) LLP provides a checklist of factors for employers to take into account when considering whether or not to take action against an employee because of his or her misconduct outside work, and measures to help employers to ensure that the action they take is appropriate and reasonable. 

 

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Disabled visitors

 

The Olympic and Paralympic Games will be attended by millions of visitors. Some of these visitors will be disabled. Relevant employers should consider how they can make their facilities and services accessible to disabled people. 

This section provides information on the issue of disabled visitors during the Olympic Games. 

 

External sources of information on disabled visitors

Accessibility
Information from the official London 2012 website regarding accessibility for disabled spectators. 

Destination London course
On the Greater London Authority website, a free online course to help hospitality staff welcome disabled visitors. 

 

 

Reservists

 

Reservists are being mobilised as part of the military's contribution to security at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Ministry of Defence estimates that 1,750 to 2,100 reservists will be called up. Employers who employ reservists will therefore have to deal with the possibility that these employees will be called up for the Olympic Games. 

This section provides information on the issue of reservists being called up to provide security at the Olympic Games. 

 

FAQs on reservists
XpertHR model policies and documents on reservists
XpertHR quick reference on reservists: Tables setting out information on financial assistance claims
XpertHR "how to" on reservists
External sources of information on reservists

 

 

FAQs on reservists

> Can a reservist be called up to provide security for the Olympics?

> When will reservists be called up to provide security for the Olympics?

> Can an employer refuse to release a member of the Reserve Forces who has been called up to provide security for the Olympics?

> Is an employer required to re-employ a member of the Reserve Forces after his or her absence?

> Is an employer required to pay a member of the Reserve Forces during any period of military service?

> Is an employer entitled to receive any financial assistance when a member of the Reserve Forces is called up?

> Can an employer make a claim for compensation if a member of the Reserve Forces is called up?

We will continue to add FAQs on reservists to the site in response to questions suggested by employers. 

 

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XpertHR model policies and documents on reservists

Policy on employing reservists
Use this model policy to set out your organisation's support for employees who are reservists. 

Contract clause on employing reservists
Use this model contract clause to set out your organisation’s position on employees who are reservists. 

 

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XpertHR quick reference on reservists: Tables setting out information on financial assistance claims

Requirements for financial assistance claim
Use this quick reference table to find the information or documentation an employer must supply to the adjudication officer when making a financial assistance claim for an employer's award or a training award. 

Awards to employers
Use this quick reference table to obtain full details of the financial assistance available to employers who suffer financial loss as a result of the mobilisation of reservists for service in the armed forces. 

 

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XpertHR "how to" on reservists

How to respond when members of the Reserve Forces are called up for military service
Practical steps employers can take. 

 

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External sources of information on reservists

Use of Reservists during the Olympics, Reservists to be used for Olympic security and Support for Employers
Guidance for employers on the Ministry of Defence website. 

 

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Hospitality

 

Employers have an opportunity to develop business relationships and establish new business relationships through Olympic and Paralympic Games hospitality. However, they need to be alert to the risks of falling foul of the Bribery Act 2010 when giving and receiving such hospitality. 

This section provides information on the issue of Olympic hospitality. 

 

FAQs on hospitality
XpertHR model policies and documents on hospitality

 

 

FAQs on hospitality

> Can employers or their staff offer Olympic Games tickets to existing or potential clients, customers or suppliers without falling foul of the Bribery Act 2010?

> Can employers or their staff accept complimentary Olympic Games tickets from existing or potential clients, customers or suppliers without falling foul of the Bribery Act 2010?

We will continue to add FAQs on hospitality to the site in response to questions suggested by employers. 

 

XpertHR model policies and documents on hospitality

Anti-bribery statement
Use this model policy statement in your organisation's staff handbook and/or on the staff intranet to state the organisation's zero-tolerance approach to bribery. 

Anti-bribery policy
Use this model policy to set out your organisation's commitment to tackling bribery. 

Policy on accepting gifts
Use this model policy to set the rules on receiving gifts from customers, suppliers and others. 

Anti-bribery contract clause
Use this model contract clause as part of contracts of employment for employees who are at risk of exposure to bribery practices. 

Bribery risk assessment form
Use this model form to carry out a bribery risk assessment. 

Form for an employee to report bribery
Use this model form to allow individuals to report suspected bribery.