FLEXIBLE WORKING CAN HELP TELFORD FIRMS AVOID OLYMPIC HURDLE
28th May 2012
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Flexibility will be a Telford business owner’s best friend in order to deal with staff absenteeism during a busy summer of sport, a local employment law specialist has claimed. 

With a packed schedule of sporting events set to be held over the coming weeks, kicking off with the European Football Championships in Poland and Ukraine early in June, followed by the London Olympics and other favourites such as Wimbledon and Test Match Cricket, it’s vital firms across the county have robust plans in place to deal with staff requests for time off.

Ryan Bickham of PCB Solicitors has urged company owners to adopt a proactive approach to ensure staff can continue to carry out their day-to-day duties, whilst also giving them the opportunity to enjoy the sporting festivities, either by simply watching or by volunteering.

“Summer holidays already place great pressure on employers, with many staff requiring annual leave to look after their children,” Ryan said. “And with a major football tournament and an Olympic Games held right on our doorstep this summer, this demand will only be heightened. Surveys suggest that more than one in five staff will be tempted to throw a ‘sickie’ to watch a big event in the coming months, so it’s crucial employers do all they can now to prepare and avoid disruption, absenteeism, and a drop in productivity.”

Ryan suggests firms should adopt flexible working practices such as enabling staff to work remotely from home, work flexi-time hours, or job share, while he also advocates initiatives such as offering longer lunch hours or even staging special parties to enable staff to watch some of the main events – although he does remind businesses to ensure they have a valid TV license if they are planning on allowing staff to watch events in the office. 

“Parents, guardians and people with responsibility to look after close family members already have the right to request flexible working rights after six months of employment, but offering such employment practices across the board can really help to boost staff morale. Of course though, as well as the ‘carrot’ of flexible working, it’s also appropriate that employers should make staff aware that unauthorised absences won’t be tolerated, and all relevant policies should be updated and communicated to staff accordingly.

“Local business owners who have any queries about flexible working arrangements, or perhaps just need some help in putting in place the relevant policies or procedures, should get in touch with me on ryan.bickham@pcblaw.co.uk to arrange a free, no obligation chat,” Ryan concluded.

PCB Solicitors LLP is a modern partnership, with offices in Shrewsbury, Broseley, Church Stretton, Craven Arms, Knighton, Ludlow, Telford, and Worcester. While they have origins back to 1860, the firm is forward-looking and offers a full range of legal advice for both individuals and businesses, including property, family advice and childcare matters, wills, trusts, probate and estate planning, accident and personal injury, litigation, criminal law and corporate and business law.

For further information about PCB Solicitors’ complete range of legal services, please contact the Shrewsbury Head office on 01743 248148 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            01743 248148      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or visit the website www.pcblaw.co.uk.   

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Katie G

Member since: 23rd February 2012

PCB Solicitors LLP are a modern law firm with a full range of legal services for both commercial and private clients. We aim to stand out from the crowd by providing consistent quality, value for money...

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