AS George Osbourne prepares to deliver his first budget since the general election, businesses in Worcester planning to watch live on a TV or computer in the workplace are being urged to ensure they are correctly licensed.

Viewing in the office is becoming more and more popular and staff at companies across Worcester are expected to tune in to hear what the Chancellor has to say.

The budget, which will be delivered on Wednesday, July 8, will be shown live on a number of channels and online.

TV Licensing is reminding businesses to ensure they are not breaking the law, as anyone watching programmes as they are shown on TV – whatever device they are watching on – needs to be licensed.

Mark Whitehouse, spokesman for TV Licensing in Worcestershire, said: “We want businesses to watch events such as the budget without worrying about whether or not they’re correctly licensed.

"It’s easy for business owners, directors and managers to stay on the right side of the law.

"If staff or customers are going to be watching live TV without a licence, then that business is committing an offence and could face a fine of up to £1,000.

“We understand that businesses are working to their own budgets, which is why we offer a number of ways to pay, including direct debit and BACS electronic transfer.

"We would always prefer businesses to find a payment method suitable to them than run the risk of being caught, whatever line of business they’re in.”

A TV in the workplace policy is also available at tvlicensing.co.uk