Millions Watch Wimbledon in Office: TV Licensing
By Tv Licensing, PRNEThursday, June 16, 2011
LONDON, June 17, 2011 -
Millions of employees could tune into Murray-mania in the
workplace, while employers decree “business as usual” over
Wimbledon.
Figures released today by TV Licensing from a member poll
conducted in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Personnel
and Development (CIPD) show that the overwhelming majority of
employers (86%*) say they won’t be allowing employees “time off” to
watch Andy Murray’s pursuit of the Wimbledon Grand Slam title.
However, separate figures suggest this won’t stop people tuning
into the tournament:
- 7.1 million** people, the largest audience of last year’s
tournament, watched Murray’s performance in the 2010 semi-final in
the middle of the working day - Over half of the UK tuned in (51%)** over the course of the
competition - 6.8 million*** people watched matches live online last year
during last year’s tournament.
With this trend expected to be repeated this year, the chances
are that employees across the UK will be cheering on this year’s
hopefuls from their desks. TV Licensing is taking this
opportunity to remind employers that one
Licence will cover their office, allowing staff to tune in to
matches either on office screens or via their own PCs.
The CIPD, Europe’s largest HR and development professional body,
says that staff watching Wimbledon in the workplace is not
necessarily bad news for bosses. It could actually be a great
opportunity to create a fun and united atmosphere, Dr Jill Miller,
research adviser, says:
“Wimbledon is a great British sporting occasion, which captures
the nation’s attention for two weeks of the year. Employees
following some of the nail-biting action at work, either at their
computers or on TV screens around the office, can help build team
spirit and morale across the workplace. We know that when employers
enable flexibility at work, employees are more likely to ‘go the
extra mile’. Depending on business needs, employers may
choose to screen matches, perhaps asking people to make up the time
afterwards. However, whether employers allow employees to ‘tune in’
or not, the policy should be clearly communicated to the
workforce.”
Wimbledon signals the start of the great summer of sport, which
many of us will be tuning in to watch whether it is in the
traditional way or live online via today’s multitude of TV-viewing
gadgets and platforms.
Rose Beynon, spokesperson for TV Licensing, said:
“It’s fascinating to see how many people are now watching live
online, on traditional TV sets or even in 3D. We want to make
sure anyone watching TV in the workplace is aware they need to be
correctly licensed to do so. Some employers might assume if they
don’t have a TV in the building, they don’t need to worry, but the
rise of online streaming of live TV programmes means many more
businesses need to be covered by a TV Licence nowadays.”
“We’d rather businesses think ahead and check if they need a
licence than risk a court case and a fine. A licence costs
£145.50 and can be bought in minutes online at:
Business.”
A TV Licence is legally required on work premises if anyone -
whether staff or customers - watches TV programmes at the same time
as they are shown on TV, whether on a computer, TV or any other
type of equipment. If an employee is caught watching TV illegally,
the business may be held liable and fined up to £1,000.
*Research conducted among 702 CIPD members
**Statistics from the Wimbledon website
www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/news/articles/2010-07-06/201007071278484605882.html
***BBC Audiences statistics
Notes to editors:
Who needs a TV Licence?
If anyone at your business watches or records TV programmes as
they are being shown on TV, irrespective of what channel they’re
watching, what device they’re using (TV, computer, laptop, mobile
phone or any other), and how they receive them (terrestrial,
satellite, cable, via the Internet or any other), you will need to
be covered by a valid TV Licence. In general, one licence will
cover all the TV equipment your business uses for business purposes
on a single site. The only exception to this is hotels, which
have separate licensing requirements.
However, if you sub-let any part of your premises to another
business or have an on-site social or welfare club, then it will
require its own separate licence. Please note that the licence does
not cover any residential accommodation on-site or within the
premises.
When is a licence not needed?
You do not need a licence for your business premises if the TV
equipment is never used to receive or record television programme
services, but is only used for closed circuit monitoring or to
watch pre-recorded videos.
Penalties for TV Licence evasion
Using television receiving equipment to watch or record
television programme services without the correct licence is a
criminal offence. Your business could face prosecution and a
fine of up to £1,000.
Paying for your business‘s TV licence
A colour TV licence costs £145.50. A black and white TV licence
costs £49. The licence fee is set by Government.
TV Licensing aims to make it as easy as possible for people to
buy a TV Licence, which is why there are many different ways to
pay.
• Over-the-counter - people can now pay at 23,000 PayPoint
outlets across the country
• Direct Debit - monthly, quarterly or annual Direct Debit
payment schemes are available and can be set up online at
www.tvlicensing.co.uk/directdebit
• Online - people are now able to pay online at
www.tvlicensing.co.uk/info by Direct Debit or with a debit
or credit card
• To find out more about paying in weekly instalments over the
counter, online, by SMS or by phone using the TV Licensing Payment
Card visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk/cashplans
• Debit or credit card over the phone - this facility accepts
payment from a range of debit cards including Maestro, Delta and
Connect
• By post - send a cheque made payable to TV Licensing to: TV
Licensing, Bristol BS98 1TL
• BACS: Businesses can pay by BACS electronic transfer. Please
phone +44(0)300-790-6124 for more information
For more information about any of our payment options, to set up
Direct Debit payments or to pay over the phone by debit or credit
card please call +44(0)300-790-6063.
TV Licensing press office on +44(0)20-7544-3144 or email
mediaenquiries@tvlicensing.info
.
Tags: June 17, London, Tv Licensing, United Kingdom
