BOSSES have taken steps to ensure the World Cup does not lead to supporters coming down with football fever. A Europe-wide survey of football fans showed that nearly seven out of ten England supporters confessed they would be "ill" on match days.

The survey by Yahoo showed that England topped the league of people planning to take part in World Cup absenteeism next month. Fears of a massive drop in business have seen some companies take steps to ensure they won't be left short-handed when the tournament kicks off on May 31.

Big screen TVs, flexible hours and time off for the big England matches are among some of the steps taken to keep the workforce happy. BAE Systems in Rochester, one of Medway's biggest employers, has got right into the World Cup spirit. Staff at the avionics giant eager to see England beat Argentina on Friday, June 7, will be allowed to either come in late or leave early for the noon kick off.

The match will also be shown on the big screen in Conference Room 1 and on a TV in the staff restaurant. Tickets for the big screen will be handed out on first come, first served, basis. A similar arrangement will be allowed for the England versus Nigeria game on Wednesday, June 12.

A spokesman for BAE said: "We have taken every step to make sure football fans won't miss out on the World Cup experience. If England progress in the tournament we will make further arrangements so that staff don't have to miss the games."

Staff at Asda in Chatham will be given a big screen TV in the staff rest area and the canteen will be decked out in England flags. Emma King, a spokesman for the supermarket chain, said: "The most radical thing we are doing to suit our employees World Cup needs is a shift swap scheme. It means people who aren't bothered about watching the games can swap shifts with those who are desperate to see them. It all seems to be working really well."