Small business owners have been warned to make suitable preparations to make sure they are not kicked in the teeth by the anticipated World Cup fever set to hit the nation.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) believes that the effect of the cup on business may be twofold – increased consumer consumption will provide a trade but this boost could be offset by employees missing work to watch the games.

Research has shown that as many as one in seven men and one in 20 women might pull a 'sickie' during the tournament.

The FSB advises small firms to avoid the potential disruption that football could cause by considering options such as developing flexible working practices during the tournament where possible, allowing televisions into the workplace to prevent people missing work to watch the matches as well as setting up a clearly formulated holiday system.

John Walker, FSB national policy chairman, said: "If firms can manage absences it will avoid many unexpected problems. In smaller firms one person's absence can hit a business hard so it is even more important for them to handle this issue."

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