A third of large UK businesses are prepared to offer flexible working in order to allow staff to watch the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, according to new research.

Deloitte surveyed 201 companies with more than 500 employees as part of the report, which found that 32 per cent would be prepared to be accommodating during the Games. The study also found that 44 per cent of firms intend to encourage staff to attend live events, while 42 per cent plan to install large screen televisions in canteens or communal areas.

Heather Hancock, London 2012 lead partner at Deloitte, said: "It is encouraging to see businesses thinking ahead about the potential impact the Games could have on their day-to-day operations. "As at all times, the priority will be to meet client needs but businesses need to factor in high numbers of staff wanting to attend or watch live events, a transportation system under increased pressure and potential disruption to supply chains."

Deloitte head of HR Stevan Rolls added: "Organisations that adopt a reasonable, open-minded approach to this can create a great feel-good factor in the office."