Bosses bring in TVs for World Cup match

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birm ... -26697077/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

THOUSANDS of Birmingham workers will be allowed to down tools to watch tomorrow’s do-or-die England game.

But spare a thought for others who will be forced to soldier on through without so much as a hint as to the team’s fate.

While some employees will be bringing their working day to a premature close for the 3pm kick-off, staff in neighbouring buildings will be left biting their nails while the action unfolds.

It has been claimed that sickies and absenteeism could soar because fans are so desperate to see the crunch game.

Workers at Jaguar’s Castle Bromwich plant have been warned they face disciplinary action even if they use radios to keep tabs on the score.

Bosses say they can’t halt production – even though lines at Land Rover’s Lode Lane factory in Solihull will stop to let workers catch the match.

Staff at Royal Mail’s sorting depot in Newtown won’t be able to watch the game unless they have booked time off – but will be able to keep listen in.

Meanwhile, thousands of Birmingham City Council staff were due to find out today whether they would be allowed to watch the football.

Helen Gill, of financial services firm Price Waterhouse Coopers, said some of its 1,200 staff would invite clients to watch the game as part of its networking strategy.

Jim Venables, the managing director, of Tamworth-based Officebroker.com has told 60 staff they can leave at 1pm – and will stay behind to man the phones himself as a gesture of goodwill.

[Lounge Lizard]

If others are given time to watch a football match I expect time off for my chosen leisure interest - ninety minutes having a few pints down my favourite pub.