Millions Watch Wimbledon in Office: TV Licensing

LONDON, June 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

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 TV 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: TV Licensing for 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 http://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 http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/directdebit

• Online - people are now able to pay online at http://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 http://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