Euro 2016
The 2016 UEFA European championships kicked off on 10 June, with 51 matches scheduled over the championships. Games scheduled during working hours may provide a headache for employers.
Our model policy on sporting and other special events helps employers prepare for issues that may arise, such as late and competing leave requests, working-time flexibility, unauthorised absence, provision of work facilities for watching the event, alcohol-related problems and misconduct outside work.
Legal guidance
- Employers' guide to Euro 2016: six ways to avoid an own goal - We provide guidance on actions employers can take to manage absence, avoid discrimination, and make the most of the entertainment to boost morale.
- Sweepstakes: are your staff running an illegal gambling racket?
Audio and video
FAQs
- Should employers adopt a sporting events policy and what should it include?
- How should employers deal with requests for time off to watch key events during the Olympic Games or other major sporting events?
- How can employers avoid allegations of unfair and/or discriminatory treatment when allowing employees to take time off to watch major football tournaments?
- How should employers deal with employees who spend work time following sporting events on the internet?
- What should an employer do if it suspects that an employee's reported sickness absence is not genuine and is due instead to them taking time off work to watch a football match?
- How can employers prevent employees spending too much time at work discussing major sporting events and distracting other employees?
- How should employers deal with employees who turn up for work drunk or hung-over after watching a football World Cup match or other major sporting event?
- What should an employer do if an employee is detained in police custody due to alleged football hooliganism, and is unable to attend work?
- Can an employer fairly dismiss an employee because they have a criminal conviction for football hooliganism?
Policies and documents
- Sporting events policy
- Alcohol or drug misuse policy
- Unauthorised absence policy
- Use of email, instant messaging and internet at work policy