Law firms should set out a clear 'football policy' to deal with the Euro 2004 football championship, which began this week - but they should not try to make last-minute changes to sickness procedures, it was claimed last week.

Emma Burrows, head of employment at City firm Trowers & Hamlins, warned that some measures being contemplated by firms to combat absenteeism - such as tightening medical evidence requirements for sickness - could involve a breach of contract.

Instead, firms should consider allowing solicitors and support staff to vary their start times or lunch hours to let them leave early, she said.

They should also remind staff that failure to turn up for work or leaving early without permission or genuine excuse could result in disciplinary action.

She said: 'Law firms will need to keep an eye on employees coming to work late the next day after a match...

but we would certainly advocate that any employer should think carefully and act cautiously during the championships.

'Employers may be tempted to try and deter staff from taking sickies to watch the football by not paying them for match days.

We think employers should avoid departing from normal policy.

Sending out a football policy is a sensible and pragmatic way of dealing with the issue.

The policy can inform the employee of their obligations, and also highlight any special arrangements agreed for this period.'

Games kick off at either 5pm or 7.45pm, with this week's 5pm England game against Switzerland the main cause for concern.

Many firms have already made arrangements for England matches to be shown in the office.

A spokesman for City firm Herbert Smith said: 'All the England games will be screened in our main conference room.

There is only one first-round England game during working hours, and depending on workloads, solicitors and staff can go and watch the game, and then make up the time if they need to.'

A spokesman for City firm Ashurst said: 'Provided the partner agrees, solicitors can watch any of the games in our seminar rooms.'

Rachel Rothwell