England fans face work misery as bosses reject flexible hours during World Cup

New research shows that only one in five employers plan to offer flexible working hours during the World Cup, despite the challenging timing of some matches.

England’s next game, against Mexico, kicks off at 1am on Monday morning, leaving many fans with little sleep before the work day.

A survey of 1,100 managers by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) found that only 20 per cent of businesses plan to provide flexible arrangements, such as adjusted start or finish times, to help staff monitor the tournament.

The research also found that only a small number of firms offer extended holidays, workplace screenings or additional leave options.

CMI policy director Petra Wilton said: “We’re not saying every England win deserves a bank holiday, but if millions of people stayed up until 3am to support their team it would be prudent to ask employers to allow a slightly later start the next morning.

“We’re telling employers across the country: ‘Let them start late.’

“The World Cup is a reminder of why flexible working is important. Great managers know that people have lives outside of work, and when they offer reasonable flexibility, whether that relates to caring responsibilities, medical appointments or even the occasional late-night sporting event, organizations in turn benefit from higher engagement, better wellbeing, stronger commitment and ultimately better performance.”

David D’Souza, career director at professional human resources body CIPD, said: “England’s victory means employers and employees now have several days to discuss expectations ahead of the team’s next World Cup match against Mexico.

“Employers are not required to make special arrangements around World Cup matches, although some may choose to offer flexibility where this works for the business and does not affect performance. “The important thing is to set clear expectations in advance.

“For organizations that decide to be more flexible, options include accepting annual leave, changing shifts, adjusting working hours, making up the time later, working from home when appropriate or, in some workplaces, watching the game on the field.”