BOSSES across Bolton are drawing up plans to cope with an outbreak of World Cup fever among their workers.

They plan to beat the "bunking it for Beckham" factor by giving staff the chance to follow the action while still coming to work.

They hope longer lunch breaks, shift-swapping and flexitime will keep staff focused on the job while scoring a goal for company morale at the same time.

David Speakman, who runs Churchgate-based firm Travel Counsellors, even plans to install a video screen and put up flags and bunting for his employees.

He said: "Happy workers means a happy company. Our staff are very conscientious and we would like to reward them by being flexible during the World Cup."

Directors started having team talks in boardrooms across town after a survey revealed that seven out of 10 football fans in Britain plan calling in sick to watch matches at home.

They fear their businesses could lose thousands of pounds on the days when England play their group games against Sweden, Nigeria and Argentina.

But now local firms have come up with a variety of ways to keep workers happy -- and business ticking over.

Workers at ASDA in Astley Bridge may now be allowed to wear their England shirts on match days and TVs will be placed in their rest areas.

Lloyds TSB is also planning to allow TVs in staff rooms in town centre branches and the Royal Bank of Scotland is considering letting workers use flexitime to watch games.

Staff at Bolton's Carphone Warehouse store will be given mini-televisions for England matches and they will also be kept up to date with mobile phone text alerts.

The Bolton and Bury Chamber has welcomed the positive approach taken by local companies.

Chief Executive Andrew Ratcliff said: "The 'bunking it for Beckham' factor is a potential problem for many local firms. But a number of companies are making flexible arrangements to accommodate their staff.

"It is essential that all firms establish a clear human resources policies to deal with World Cup. Otherwise they may find that productivity grinds to a halt."

Where will you be watching the World Cup? Is your pub, community hall, leisure centre or supermarket screening the games? Call our newsdesk on 01204 537270 or e-mail to bennewsdesk@boltoneveningnews.co.uk.