Public bodies foresee disruption from 2012 Games

10 Jan 12
Almost two-thirds of public sector organisations nationwide expect to experience some disruption as a result of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, according to a survey published by BT today.

By Nick Mann | 10 January 2012

Almost two-thirds of public sector organisations nationwide expect to experience some disruption as a result of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, according to a survey published by BT today.

More than four in ten foresee problems with staff wanting time off or not being able to get to work during the Games. Another 30% are concerned that the services or support they use will be affected, while 57% expect their supply chain to be disrupted in some way.

Despite this, a third of the 156 public sector organisations surveyed believe three or fewer months are sufficient to prepare for the impact the event might have on their work. Almost four in ten do not plan to make any preparations for the Games at all.

Only 21% plan to increase their capacity – compared with 32% of private sector organisations included in the survey. BT said this was understandable given current public spending pressure.

However, almost half (45%) plan to increase flexible working for staff to lessen the impact of disruption.

When it comes to benefiting from the Olympics, only a third believe they will benefit from any increased government investment as a result of the Games. Those most optimistic about their prospects are unsurprisingly in London, the Southeast, East and Southwest of England. Almost a quarter (22%) of the public sector bodies surveyed are based in London.

Yesterday, marking the start of the 200 day countdown to the London 2012 opening ceremony, Prime Minister David Cameron said the Games represented a ‘once in a generation opportunity’ for UK businesses to interact with companies from around the world.

He added that a series of meetings between British and international businesses being held around the Games would generate at least £1bn for British businesses and were ‘vital to our efforts to secure a long-term return to sustainable growth’.

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