Bosses have been urged to show some heart for workers desperate to watch England’s early morning World Cup clash.
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “World Cup fever has gripped the UK, with millions of workers across the country cheering on the Three Lions.
“The timing of England’s match against Mexico is not ideal for fans. That’s why we are appealing to employers to show some common sense and understanding by allowing their staff to work flexibly where possible.”
It comes as fans across the country face the agonising choice of staying up until nearly 3am – and potentially later – to cheer on hero Harry Kane and the team, or going to bed as normal and missing the match.
View 3 ImagesSome schools have decided to allow pupils to arrive late following the game (Image: GRAHAM WHITBY BOOT/SUFC/Shutterstock)
Other workers – from emergency staff and carers to shop workers and others – have no choice but to be in as usual.
Alex Hall-Chen, from business group the Institute of Directors, said: “Not many people will be at their sharpest after an England match that finishes in the middle of the night.
“Where businesses can accommodate it, a little flexibility on Monday morning could go a long way. Allowing a slightly later start, hybrid working or making use of flexible hours can be a sensible way to boost morale and recognise that major sporting occasions are important moments for many employees.”
Firms have cancelled meetings for Monday morning as a result of England’s early morning game in the World Cup, new research shows. Data by Gong Labs, a platform that connects to business calls and emails, suggests that companies have scheduled almost a third fewer meetings as well as cancelling telephone calls.
Chief executive Amit Bendov said: “Our latest data suggests early morning meeting cancellations are already running above a typical Monday, and UK teams have booked roughly 30% fewer morning meetings than usual.”
Despite the bleary-eyed kick-off time, an army of 17.8 million fans are forecast to stay up to watch the drama unfold. Website VoucherCodes estimates 14.3 million will be watching from home. But another 3.5 million dedicated fans plan to take advantage of extended licensing hours by heading to pubs and other hospitality venues.
It heralds a nation of knackered workers the next day – and more than a few sore heads.
View 3 ImagesThe head of the TUC, Paul Nowak, has joined those calling on employers to allow England fans some slack(Image: Tim Merry/Staff Photographer)
Research by electricals retailer AO.com suggests millions aren’t leaving it to chance, with more than a quarter of people considering throwing a sickie or coming in late.
It is not just adults who face a tired start to the week. England boss Thomas Tuchel suggested kids should be allowed to stay up to watch the match. He said: “Write an excuse for school and let them watch football. Come on. There’s so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. Let them watch.”
Following the manager’s advice, some schools across the country are allowing pupils to arrive a couple of hours late. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson insisted students should still arrive at school on time despite the 1am kick off. She told BBC Newsnight: “I’m not going to make requests on parents around bedtime. But she added: “Please let’s try and get our kids in on Monday too.”
St Catherine’s Academy, in Bolton, Greater Manchester, has said pupils in all primary and secondary year groups can arrive at 10am. London Colney Primary School confirmed it will screen a full replay at 9am in the school hall, while Smith’s Wood primary, in the West Midlands, said it would show highlights in assembly.
Pubs are braced for a “no and low” boom from England fans during Monday’s wee-small-hours match,
It came as PM Keir Starmer gave pubs an added boost by relaxing licensing restrictions to allow them to open until 5am. Dawn Slater, who runs the Garricks Head in Urmston, just outside Manchester, is among those who will serving until then.
“We are inundated with bookings, we’ll be full to capacity,” she said. “We take table bookings and now they’re all gone. It will be first come first serve for the standing area.”
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “The timing of the match is unprecedented for the sector so, with more pubs opening, we expect there to be up to a million extra pints sold off the back of the game.
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“Many will head to their local for this one-off occasion to enjoy the atmosphere, and it may be that amongst the pints we also see a lift in no and low beers, hot drinks, soft drinks and snacks sales.
“We’re encouraging everyone to enjoy the occasion responsibly, cheer on our fantastic Three Lions, and be part of a moment of huge national significance.”