The Forum of Private Business is warning small firms to ensure they have a valid television licence if they allow staff to watch TV on the premises.

During the festive season many companies relax normal practice but TV Licensing teams will still be targeting businesses and any firm found breaching the regulations could face prosecution and a £1,000 fine.

Even those companies without workplace TVs could fall foul of the rules if staff watch programmes over the internet.

"Bosses have a responsibility to ensure that their organisation is correctly licensed," said Phil McCabe, a spokesperson for the FPB. "Buying a licence is straightforward and can be done in minutes."

One TV licence - at £139.50 - covers all TVs on the premises.