BOSSES have been urged to set out their policy for screening sporting events in the workplace.
High-profile sporting events – including Euro 2012, Wimbledon and the Olympics – could prove a major distraction in offices and factories across Huddersfield.
Now TV Licensing is helping businesses stay on track by providing them with a handy guide to ensure harmony in the workplace.
“Managers may be worrying about productivity and wondering how to ensure staff are aware of their workplace rules on TV watching,” said Jenny Wilkinson, TV Licensing spokeswoman for northern England.
“Many staff will be desperate to tune in to the live action in their favourite sport and visitors may simply expect to be able to watch the top events.”
She said: “Many of this summer’s sporting events are taking place between 8am and 7pm, so could be a big draw for would-be workplace viewers.”
Research by pollster Harris Interactive showed that while 66% of firms provide internet access, only 12% allow staff to watch online.
Ms Wilkinson said a TV licence was needed to watch or record any programme as it is shown on television – so viewing sports at work will mean the business needs to be licensed to avoid risking breaking the law, a prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.
She said: “This guide helps everybody in the workplace be clear about whether they can watch programmes as they are being shown on TV at work, however they watch.
“We know that managers up and down the country will be thinking about whether they want to allow employees or visitors to watch.”
The guide can be downloaded and printed from the website:www.tvlicensing.co.uk
