It's World Cup time again, so there must be an employment angle - right?

The Federation of Small Businesses has produced guidance on how to deal with employees wanting to take time off during the finals. The guidance recommends a flexible working system to accommodate requests for time off, by granting annual leave or (if possible) special unpaid leave. Other suggestions include allowing staff to listen to the radio or watch the television at work. For those who call in sick in order to watch matches or deal with hangovers, a reminder about potential disciplinary action is recommended, together with a policy of requiring medical evidence for sickness absence during the tournament.

If you think all that sounds handy, you can grab a copy of the guide here.