With England’s last 16 game against Mexico not starting until 1am on Monday, millions of fans will be asking their employer for a late start – with others already planning to pull a sickie
Big hearted bosses have been urged to cut their workers some slack ahead of England’s early hours clash against Mexico on Monday.
After captain Harry Kane’s heroics against DR Congo, fans face a gruelling 1am start to watch England’s last 16 battle.
The bleary-eyed time means not getting to bed until nearer 3am – or even later if it goes to penalties. The Government have confirmed it will not be declaring an extra Bank Holiday on Monday.
Despite the times, 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.
Countless workers will now be appealing to their employers to make a special case, by starting late on Monday – or putting in hurried holiday requests.
PR firm Ready10 has agreed for workers to log in at 10.30am on Monday, instead of their usual 9am start. Account manager Ozzy Patlar, 25, from London, was previously voted employee of the year and as his prize, he was allowed to pick one perk that the entire office would benefit from.
He had been saving his reward up for the World Cup, when he knew some of the matches would be at the early hours. Ozzy said: “I knew that the office would love that one.
“The email went around the office, which was quite funny, the subject line was ‘Wizard of Oz’. I’ve had a lot of texts saying you’re a hero, I love you.
“Obviously it’s great for all staff, but especially a few people based outside of London. I know one of my co-workers is from Oxford, so he normally gets a 5am train in.”
It’s 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.”
Research by electricals retailer AO.com suggests millions of workers aren’t leaving it to chance, with more than a quarter of people considering throwing a sickie.
Many workers – from emergency staff and carers to shop workers and others – have no choice but to be in as usual.
But experts are encouraging other employers to show some understanding where possible.
Alex Hall-Chen, principal policy advisor for employment at 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.”
Helen Watson, senior partner and head of employment law at Aaron & Partners, said: “Balancing business operations with employees’ enthusiasm for the World Cup requires a thoughtful approach.”
Mark Kaye, employment partner at Mishcon de Reya, said: “Most employers are likely to take a sensible approach, but clear boundaries and expectations should be communicated to the workforce.
“Inappropriate conduct, such as turning up to work drunk or severely hungover (or missing client meetings) can, and perhaps should, be dealt with under the employer’s disciplinary policy. Some employers may proactively invite employees to take their annual leave on the Monday.”
But Nicole Humphreys, partner at Mayo Wynne Baxter, added: “Not everyone follows football, so employers should avoid perks that only benefit one group unless equivalent flexibility is available to others.”
Fans planning to call in sick when they’re not risk being caught out if they post content on social media through the match.
VoucherCodes estimates the Mexico game will generate £395million in sales in pubs, bars, shops, and takeaways. Demand for late night food and drink deliveries is expected to soar.
Yet Sophie Michael, head of retail and wholesale at BDO, warned the tournament was not as big a boost as some might think. “The World Cup may provide a welcome catalyst for increased spending in hospitality where growth has been particularly needed, but these events often come at the expense of other discretionary retail sectors, as consumers redirect their purse to leisure spending while watching the games,” she said.
Getting to sleep after the final whistle could also be a struggle in the early hours of Monday. On average, fans will spend nearly 40 minutes lying awake afterwards, according to smartphone and laptop maker Honor.
Sleep scientist Dr. Sophie Bostock said: “Without a deliberate cool-down, fans may simply lie in bed replaying the match rather than recovering from it – with real consequences for how they perform the next day.”
She advises a “fan cool down” technique that includes playing relaxing music, then gentle stretching for five minutes, and slow breathing for three minutes.
