Get your business ready for London 2012

Yesterday marked 500 days until the 2012 London Olympic Games and as tickets go on sale an employment expert is advising employers to ensure they are prepared for any issues that arise out of ‘Olympic Fever’.

It is anticipated that requests for time off during the games will be higher than normal and figures reveal that almost a third of large companies intend to allow flexible working in order for staff to watch events.

Jonathan Holden, employment solicitor at Forbes Solicitors, said: “Every employer should have in place a policy for holidays and time off work.

“The amount of holiday entitlement should be stated in every contract of employment. Holiday entitlement presently stands at a minimum of 28 days which may or may not include bank holidays.”

“In addition workers must apply for leave at least twice the number of days they intend to take before the date they wish their first day of leave to start. In other words, an employee wishing to take 7 days leave must apply 14 days prior to the first day of their proposed holiday. Employers can vary these requirements to suit the needs of the business, provided this is stipulated in their policy. Employers should not forget that it is open to them to specify the dates on which they require their employees to take annual leave. “

Planning for this now will minimise problems and ensure that everyone can enjoy the Olympics!

Jonathan Holden
Forbes Solicitors