Workplaces and employers should offer flexible arrangements for staff who want to watch World Cup games, Acas urges.
Acas, which steps in to mediate disputes between employers and employees, said agreements should in place to cover requests for time off or an allowance to use websites or TVs to follow the tournament which kicks off in Qatar on November 20.
Games kick off between 10am and 7pm, UK time and England's opener against Iran starts at 1pm on Monday November 21. Their other games start at 7pm.
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Wales have two 7pm kick-offs and one 10am kick-off during the group stage.
Acas' tips for employers are to be more flexible about allowing time off, and offer early starts or late finishes with an agreement for when time can be made up.
Allowing staff to listen to the radio or watch the TV, take a break during match times, or swap shifts may be other options, it said.
Chief executive Susan Clews said: “The World Cup is an exciting event for many football fans but staff should avoid getting a red card for unreasonable demands or behaviour in the workplace during this period.
“Many businesses need to maintain a certain staffing level in order to survive. Employers should have a set of simple workplace agreements in place before kick-off to help ensure their businesses remain productive whilst keeping staff on side too.
“Our top tips can help managers get the best from their team players, arrange appropriate substitutions if necessary, and avoid unnecessary penalties or unplanned sendings-off.”
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