Workers will watch the World Cup in Leeds

Banana Kick, based at The Engine Room, Graingers Way, Roundhouse Business Park, Leeds is celebrating the start of the 2018 World Cup.

Don’t let the day job get in the way of watching the World Cup action this summer.

Loads of Leeds workers will have been wondering how to get around those mid after-noon kick offs - and can you really spin a lunch hour into 90 minutes without the boss noticing?

Well it doesn’t necessarily have to be so as some Leeds firms prepare to down tools when that whistle goes.

Sedulo, one of the newest firms to set up in the city and with a radical approach to the work/life balance as it is, is making a staff do out of the England v Tunisia game tonight and are inviting other businesses to join the party.

It is screening the match in its offices at St Paul’s House, plying staff with food and drink from the bar which takes pride of place in the office and putting on entertainment.

Over at Bruntwood’s Platform building there were plans to have a big screen on the roof terrace so workers can pop out to catch a glimpse of the action when it suits them.

Marketing firm, Banana Kick is also firmly embracing the Russian spirit (yes the vodka one) with a pop-up bar and chance to share a £20,000 windfall if England win the World Cup (see page 3). And Leeds City Council has installed a big screen in Millennium Square.

It comes after the TUC said firms should not score an own goal by refusing to let staff have time off to watch the games.General Secretary, Frances O’Grady said: “To avoid problems they should let people who want to watch the games do so, either at work or home and claim back time.”

Is your company encouraging you to watch?