The rules might put a stop to companies taking an afternoon break to watch the football with colleagues
Bosses hoping to let their employees enjoy the Euros 2024 over the next month may need to rethink their options if they plan to show the games live in the office.
Research from flexible office broker Office Freedom revealed that in shared office spaces, the majority of premises are not covered by one TV licence and it is on individual businesses using the spaces to ensure they have their own TV licence in order for their company to watch.
If caught without one, then businesses could be liable under the law for a fine of £1,000.
Shared office spaces may already have a TV licence to cover communal areas such as the kitchen or any seating areas, but individual offices must have their own licence in order to avoid breaching regulations in place.
So for those hoping to enjoy the afternoon kick-offs, which include England’s second game against Denmark, this could put a dent in their plans if their office doesn’t have its own licence in place.
In the UK, anyone found to be watching, downloading or streaming without a valid TV licence, is liable for a £1,000 fine, this includes watching live TV through on demand services such as BBC iPlayer, as well as streaming services like YouTube and Amazon Prime Video.
A spokesperson for Office Freedom said, “With matches being played through afternoons and early evenings, we can imagine many businesses will be eager to allow staff to tune in to watch the action while they are at work.
“But with so many now operating in shared office spaces, it is important for companies to check if they have a valid TV licence in place. The onus is on individual companies operating in a co-working office to have a licence which covers the company, as existing TV licences in shared office spaces will only cover communal areas.
“For companies currently leasing a shared office space, we’d urge them to check their TV licence as we would hate for anyone to get caught out just for allowing staff to enjoy the festival of football ahead – and the Olympic Games that follow later this summer.”
Leave a Comment