The overwhelming majority of employers (86 per cent) say they won’t be allowing employees “time off” to watch Andy Murray’s pursuit of the Wimbledon Grand Slam title, according to figures released today by TV Licensing and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

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 population tuned in (51 per cent) over the course of the competition.
• 6.8 million people watched matches live online during last year’s tournament.  

Chances are that employees across the UK will be cheering on this year’s hopefuls from their desks. (Note: one TV Licence covers your whole office). 

“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,” says Dr Jill Miller, research adviser at the CIPD. “We know that when employers allow flexibility at work, employees are more likely to ‘go the extra mile’.”

Andy Murray will will learn his first round opponent at Wimbledon when the draw is made tomorrow morning. Five-time champion Bjorn Borg says this is Murray’s “best chance” of winning Wimbledon. No pressure, then.