ACAS Guidance for Employers on the Olympic Games

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) has issued guidance for employers on some of the issues that might arise in connection with the London 2012 Olympic Games, which commence on 27 July. For example, an employee may wish to take time off work to attend or may have been selected as one of the volunteer helpers or ‘games makers’ at the Olympic or Paralympic Games. Others may wish to work flexibly in order to watch specific events.



It is important for employers to have a clear policy in place to handle likely requests for time off work, and to communicate this to staff to avoid potential misunderstandings and unfairness.



The Olympic Games end on 12 August and the Paralympic Games are being held between 29 August and 9 September. As well as the usual annual sporting events, the finals of the UEFA European Football Championship, which takes place every four years, are being hosted by Poland and Ukraine between 8 June and 1 July, so it is set to be a busy summer for sports fans!