A THIRD of large companies plan to allow flexible working – so that staff can watch the Olympic and Paralympic Games, it is claimed.

With tickets going on sale tomorrow for the London 2012 Olympics, research by business advisory firm Deloitte showed the excitement is building in the business community.

The research shows that 32% of respondents would be happy for staff to take time out to watch live events and make up hours at the start or end of the working day.

Heather Hancock, a partner for Deloitte in West Yorkshire, said: “It is encouraging to see businesses thinking ahead about the potential impact the Games could have on their day-to-day operations.

“We know the period of the Olympic and Paralympic Games will not be business as usual.

“As at all times, the priority will be to meet client needs, but businesses need to factor in high numbers of staff wanting to attend or watch live events, a transportation system under increased pressure and potential disruption to supply chains.”

She added: “Businesses need to think about the policies they will put in place for their workforce next summer. For example, they will need to consider how they are going to manage the potential increased demand for annual leave during the games period.”

The survey showed that 44% of companies intend to encourage staff to attend live events, while 42% plan to install big screens in staff canteens or other communal areas to allow staff to watch their sporting heroes live on TV with colleagues.