Firms need TV licence if workers watch sport online

TV Licensing said some firms may be unwittingly breaking the law by allowing staff to watch TV online. The problem was set to get worse with more people planning to watch events such as Wimbledon and the Olympics at their desks over the internet.

Joanna Pearce, TV Licensing spokesperson said: "We know that a lot of people like to keep up with the action from big events such as Wimbledon by watching online at the office. Watching TV on a computer at work is no different from watching on a TV set at home – if you’re watching programmes as they’re broadcast, you need to be covered by a valid licence.

"TV Licensing would always rather businesses are correctly licensed than risk a court case and a fine, which is why we’re making sure that managers are aware of the need to be covered if staff are watching online."

She added that a licence could be bought "in minutes" online at www.tvlicensing.co.uk/business or by calling 0844 800 5832.