Brit workers beg bosses for one thing on Monday | UK | News
People need to make sure watching the World Cup doesn’t interfere with their work on Monday (Image: Getty)
British workers may stay up late on Monday for England’s early clash with Mexico, or they may crowd into pubs and ask their bosses to give them some time off. Fans face a tough 1am start to watching England’s last 16 match after captain Harry Kane’s heroics against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Watery eyes mean staying up until 3 a.m., or even later when it comes to penalties. The government has confirmed that no additional public holidays will be declared on Monday. Despite the time, 17.8 million fans are expected to stay awake to watch the drama.
England will play their next match against Mexico (Image: Getty)
Website VoucherCodes predicts 14.3 million people will watch from home. But a further 3.5 million fans plan to take advantage of extended licensing hours by heading to pubs and other hospitality venues, according to the report Mirror.
The next day heralds a nation of exhausted workers and more than a few sore heads.
Countless workers will now call on their employers to create a special situation, starting late on Monday or submitting rush holiday requests.
PR firm Ready10 agreed to workers signing in at 10.30am on Monday, rather than their usual 9am start.
Ozzy Patlar, a 25-year-old account manager from London, had previously been named employee of the year and was allowed to choose a perk as his reward that would benefit the entire office.
England fans celebrate team wins across the country (Image: Getty)
Even though he knew some matches would be played in the early hours, he was saving his prize for the World Cup. Ozzy said: “I knew the office would love it.
“The email went around the office and it was pretty funny, the subject was ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ I got a lot of messages saying you’re a hero, I love you.
“Of course it’s great for all staff, but especially for the few who live outside London. I know one of my colleagues is from Oxford, so he normally arrives by train at 5am.”
Adults aren’t the only ones facing a tired start to the week. England boss Thomas Tuchel suggested children should be allowed to stay up to watch the match.
“Make an excuse for school, let them watch football. Come on. There are many schools to go to, but there is a World Cup every four years. Let them watch it,” he said.
Research by electrical retailer AO.com shows millions of workers are taking no chances and more than a quarter of people are considering calling in sick.
Many workers, from emergency personnel and caregivers to store clerks and others, have no choice but to be there as usual.
What do the experts say?
Experts encourage employers to show some understanding wherever possible.
Alex Hall-Chen, chief policy adviser on employment at the Institute of Directors, said: “A lot of people won’t be at their best after an England match that ends at midnight.
“Where businesses can accommodate this, a little flexibility on a Monday morning can go a long way. Allowing for a slightly later start, hybrid working or flexible working hours can be a sensible way to boost morale and recognize that major sporting events are important moments for many employees.”
Helen Watson, senior partner and head of employment law at Aaron & Partners, said: “Balancing business operations with employees’ World Cup enthusiasm requires a thoughtful approach.”
Mark Kaye, employment partner at Mishcon de Reya, said: “Most employers will probably take a sensible approach, but clear boundaries and expectations must be communicated to the workforce.
“Inappropriate behavior such as coming to work drunk or hungover (or missing client meetings) can and perhaps should be addressed under the employer’s disciplinary policy.
“Some employers may proactively invite their employees to take their annual leave on Monday.”
