FPB issues World Cup advice

With the football World Cup just over a week away, the Forum of Private Business has advised its members to plan ahead for the likelihood that some employees will take more of an interest in their team’s fortunes than their duties and want to watch games during work hours.

While most of England's group matches are at weekends or in the evening during the week, the Forum has highlighted that big sporting events often lead to staff being more distracted than normal.

It also emphasised that to avoid discriminating against staff members who are not supporting England, or uninterested in football, employers should offer the same concessions to all employees.

Head of policy at the Forum, Matt Goodman, commented: "Sporting events like the World Cup can present major