Essex: Bosses warned over staff watching TV

3:52pm Wednesday 18th June 2008

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BOSSES have been warned that staff watching the summer of sport on TV on the internet could land their firm with a £1,000 fine.

With Euro 2008 ongoing and tennis at Wimbledon and the Beijing Olympics looming, TV Licensing has warned businesses that they must have a licence if staff are watching coverage at their desks.

During the 2006 World Cup, 90 businesses and householders in Colchester were caught watching TV on the internet without a licence.

TV Licensing's Joanna Pearce said: "We know that a lot of people like to keep up with the action from big events such as Wimbledon by watching online at the office.

"Watching TV on a computer at work is no different from watching on a TV set at home - if you're watching programmes as they're broadcast, you need to be covered by a valid licence."

The advice is backed by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), who warn that a firm can be held liable, even if they are unaware that employers are watching TV online.

"Whether your employees are into football, tennis or athletics, if they are watching without a licence you risk a court case and a £1,000 fine," the FSB's Stephen Alambritis said.

"Buying a licence is very straightforward and takes minutes online so make sure you're covered to enjoy the sport this summer."