THIS summer's month-long Euro 2016 football tournament could be a minefield for businesses with an increase in workers "throwing sickies", an employment lawyer has warned.

Darryll Thomas, an associate in the employment and HR services division at law firm mfg Solicitors, said firms face "four weeks of turmoil" unless they prepare now for the French-hosted tournament, which runs from June 10 to July 10. While companies must expect legitimate requests for annual leave during the tournament, they also face employees calling in sick to watch games.

He added: "It’s going to be an exciting few weeks, but business has to be able to go on as usual. Every part of the UK apart from Scotland will play, and the England v Wales match in particular is going to be a huge event for fans. Scheduled during business hours, the June 16 clash is likely to be the one that will cause most disruption to business.

“The best thing for employers to do is be understanding and work with their staff, making sure that leave requests can be accommodated and day to day duties covered. Some are even installing TV screens into offices to find a solution. The risks are that some staff, a minority, will inevitably go AWOL to watch matches, particularly those being played in the afternoon, or might fail to turn up the day after because they had over indulged. It happened during the London Olympics four years ago and during last year’s Rugby World Cup, so it’s all about businesses looking and planning ahead. HR teams have to make sure their absence management policies are in place and up to date and that they have explained clearly any flexible working procedures.”

Mr Thomas said the tournament will cause a particular headache for employers of shift workers, with many matches scheduled for 8pm kick-offs. He has also warned business leaders to be ready for June 16 in particular, as England clash with Wales in a key group match kicking off at 2pm.

Ahead of the tournament kick-off Mr Thomas has drawn up an expert checklist for businesses which he says is of particular help for businesses that rely on shift workers. He added: "Euro 2016, like the World Cup, brings out everyone’s love of football. Employers must not leave it to the last minute to grant requests, nor should they just assume everyone calling in sick is doing so because of the football. The way to deal with this is to plan ahead and remind everyone what is expected of them and what the procedures are.”