The employment relations service ACAS has published a list of frequently asked questions about the legality of allowing workers time off work to watch the upcoming England matches in the World Cup.

According to ACAS employers face a host of legal problems if staff are allowed to take part in the World Cup festivities during working hours. It says employers also run the risk of discrimination as workforces in England are becoming increasingly diverse, employers should make sure they are not discriminating against foreign workers who may be supporting different nations.

ACAS also warns bosses of sexual discrimination if they expect woman to cover for their male counterparts in the workplace stating that bosses must “ensure that any flexibility over working hours is made available to both male and female staff, without making assumptions about who may or may not be interested in football”.

The full advice is available at http://www.acas.org.uk.