The number of hours spent by football fans keeping up-to-date with injury scares and team news during the World Cup could cost the UK economy as much £4bn, an employment law specialist from Brabners Chaffe Street has warned.
As most of England’s matches take place in the weekend, it’s thought many employees will use their employer’s internet access to read up on team news and injury updates.
The figure was calculated by assuming employees spend an hour a day surfing the internet during the World Cup and multiplying that by an average hourly wage of £12.50.
The announcement comes just days after the BBC announced it is to stream each of its 23 live games over the internet. Although the BBC has previously allowed visitors to view live games online, this is the first time a major tournament has been made available in its entirety.
Employment law expert at Joe Shelston at Brabners Chaffe Street, said: “While rising absenteeism or lost time might cost your business, some research suggests that productivity actually increases when employers are feeling good about their national team.
“Allowing some Internet use, while clamping down on inappropriate or excessive use, might strike the balance needed to ensure high morale without damaging your business.”
