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Saturday, July 18, 2026

Managing workforces around World Cup matches – Key employment law considerations - The HR Director

With the World Cup kicking off this June, the tournament will certainly create a buzz among workforces. It will undoubtedly create a significant boost in employee engagement and morale, but it can also present employers with a range of practical employment law challenges.

Here’s a guide to the key employment issues that may arise and the practical steps employers can take to minimise risks.

Certain Match Times Could Lead to Employees Drinking at Inappropriate Times, Affecting Their Work

With the competition taking place in the US, Canada and Mexico, many of the matches are likely to take place in the late afternoon and evening, or overnight, UK time. Attendance and fatigue could arise as issues in workplaces. Several fixtures will kick off during unsociable hours for UK viewers, with a number of fixtures taking place on weekday evenings and Sunday nights. Employers should be mindful of the potential impact this could have on employee attendance, punctuality, and performance the following day.

Travelling to or attending work under the influence of alcohol, or contrary to an employer’s rules, can have serious consequences, particularly in roles involving driving, machinery operation, or wider health and safety responsibilities. To avoid issues arising during the tournament, employers should clearly communicate expectations in advance, including any flexibility around working hours, viewing arrangements, or standards of conduct.

Having a clear Drugs & Alcohol Policy is...



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