Flexible benefits to be offered during World Cup

Many employers are preparing to offer their staff additional flexible benefits during the forthcoming football World Cup, but could encounter problems.

A survey by DLA Piper indicates that 51 per cent of UK employers questioned said they were planning to offer staff extra flexibility around this month''s tournament.

Such measures are likely to include shift swapping, early finishes and late starts, but most firms said they were just offering these benefits for England games.

Only 19 per cent said they would offer flexible working for all World Cup matches, while 76 per cent of firms questioned were planning to offer no benefits at all to non-football fans.

Tim Marshall, UK head of employment and partner at DLA Piper, warned that this could lead to accusations of discrimination and those not following the games may become disgruntled if they have to pick up extra work.

The first three games which could disrupt working patterns are England''s group matches, which take place on June 12th, 18th and 23rd.
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