STAFF TOO SCARED TO CALL IN SICK DURING WORLD CUP

Despite the hype about mass absenteeism during the World Cup, more than 50 per cent of staff would not consider faking illness during England matches for fear of disciplinary action or losing their jobs, according to new research.

The research by recruitment agency Pertemps revealed that although only 15 per cent of staff said their companies had announced a hard line policy on the World Cup, 52 per cent of employees still feared disciplinary procedures, pay docking and the sack for faking illness.

Many respondents (54 per cent) said their bosses had not made any announcements about the World Cup, but they had heard rumours that anyone calling in sick would be closely questioned. Twenty two per cent said they would be too embarrassed to call in sick, 20 per cent said they would not be able to lie realistically and 11 per cent said they would feel too guilty.

Almost a third of respondents (31 per cent) said their company planned to follow Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt's advice and allow them to watch key World Cup matches. Of that figure, 73 per cent would give access to televisions at work, 51 per cent would allow staff to bring in portable TVs and radios, 44 per cent would allow them to watch matches on the Internet, 33 per cent would introduce extended lunch hours and 31 per cent temporary flexi-time.

Twenty two per cent of respondents planned to work from home during England games and 41 per cent had put in a request for annual leave.

More men than women planned to watch matches that fell during the working day. Sixty nine per cent of women surveyed said they did not intend to make a special effort during work to watch the World Cup. More than half (56 per cent) said they would be angry if male colleagues caused disruption to the working day by watching matches. One third of women (34 per cent) said companies should give non-football fans equal perks and two per cent thought their boss should also let people watch this summer's Commonwealth Games at work.

Tim Watts, Pertemps chairman, said; "The England matches will take up only a few hours in the working day and we believe that companies should try to make concessions for staff who are desperate to watch them. At Pertemps, we are providing TVs and bacon butties for all our staff.

"Companies that do not intend to make any concessions during the World Cup may find their actions backfire with staff calling in sick or wasting time secretly updating themselves on the scores at their desks. Allowing staff to watch games, by, for example, providing TVs or extended lunch breaks, is a sign of goodwill and can improve morale.

"However, staff should not take advantage of their employers or they may find their bosses will be unwilling to provide such benefits in the future."