Employers may be anticipating increased absenteeism during the Rugby World Cup (18 September to 31 October).
If so, Acas is at hand to advise and has produced guidance on the subject. It advises employers to remember to be fair and consistent when allowing time off, to monitor high levels of sickness or lateness that coincides with matches but also to consider being flexible about starting and finishing times, to remind employees about their responsibilities when commenting on social media, and to be clear about workplace policy regarding viewing of matches on workplace computers and devices.