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Businesses underestimating World Cup absenteeism

Almost one-third of UK workers would consider taking a bogus sick day to watch the World Cup games.

This is the conclusion of a new survey by business price comparison service Make It Cheaper, which revealed that two-thirds of small businesses are not planning to allow staff to watch matches while they are at work.

The research shows that companies are underestimating potential levels of absenteeism during the tournament in South Africa.

Indeed, just six per cent of firms expect to see an increase in the number of staff calling in sick during the World Cup, even though 32 per cent of workers would consider bunking off.

Jonathan Elliot, managing director of Make It Cheaper, said: "Small businesses can counter this problem by planning for the World Cup, perhaps by offering staff the opportunity to watch the games during their shift if they agree to make up the time afterwards."

Meanwhile, figures from the Confederation of British Industry have revealed that UK employees took 180 million sick days last year, costing businesses almost £17 billion.
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 For more information go to www.makeitcheaper.com

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