IT takes teamwork. That's the warning to bosses and workers, if they are to avoid scoring a World Cup own goal.

Acas, which works to improve employment relations, has stepped off the sidelines to referee arguably the biggest contest of the cup employer versus employee.

Gill McCarthy, area director for Acas in Yorkshire, said: "This is so serious a debate that we have had to issue a website frequently asked questions' page, covering from does my employer have to provide me with access to the games if I am working', to my employee has a history of taking sickies' when there is an important game'.

"These can be very tricky issues to tackle."

But employers and workers' representatives in York felt they had taken steps to ensure any problems would be kicked into touch.

Paul Clays, of the Communication Workers Union, which represents postal workers, was confident there would be no major conflicts. "The majority of our staff finish by 2pm. People in the sorting office work shifts and have a TV in the room, so it won't be an issue as long as employers are reasonable about realigning breaks when matches are on."

A Norwich Union spokesman said: "It will be business as usual, but there will be lots of fun activities in keeping with the spirit of the World Cup."

Keith Lumley, of Network Rail, said stringent safety restrictions would still apply for non-office based staff such as signallers.

For office staff, managers were advised to "take a sensible attitude" and allow flexible working hours where possible.

GNER's John Gelson said staff had been encouraged to apply early for leave. "We will have television sets and/or radios at many of our depots and staff messrooms, so staff can follow the tournament during their breaks."

On board trains, score updates for England matches will be announced throughout the World Cup.

Linda Stephenson, of York St John University College, said: "Where possible, we will aim to facilitate leave through formal approvals of holiday and/or flexitime. York St John considers its work-life balance policy a key benefit which has been put in place to enable a better quality of life for staff."

Marion Shelley, of the Land Registry, York, said: "People can take flexi or annual leave if they want to take time off, although most matches are outside our core working hours."

A City of York Council spokeswoman, said: "The council's primary concern is maintaining services, and employees are being asked to register requests for time off as soon as possible to ensure adequate cover is available.

"There will be no additional sickness absence reporting requirements during the World Cup. However, abuse of sick leave is a disciplinary offence and any unauthorised absences will be investigated as normal."

For more advice, the Acas helpline during office hours is 08457 474747.

Warning on binge drinking

A campaign was launched today to warn football fans of the dangers of drinking large amounts of alcohol in 90 minutes.

York Alcohol Strategy Group is calling on drinkers to be more aware of the harmful effects of heavy drinking and the possible consequences of getting drunk. They are urging football fans to heed sensible drinking guidelines to avoid putting themselves or others at risk of harm.

York Alcohol Advice Service (YAAS) and the Community Addiction Team see a large number of people every year who have been involved in violent incidents, had unprotected sex or ended up in casualty after a heavy drinking session. They also see many incidents of people being convicted of drink-driving the morning after.

Alison Tubbs, service manager of YAAS, said: "Many people enjoy watching the World Cup over a few drinks with friends. However, drinking large quantities of alcohol in a short space of time can lead to trouble.

"Not only can it spoil the enjoyment of the game if fans are too drunk to remember the score, alcohol also affects behaviour and can leave drinkers with more than a hangover the following day."

The group is distributing information leaflets across the city. These leaflets explain about alcohol units, the effects of binge drinking, and give details of the help that is available. For copies, phone 01904 652104