Bosses are being encouraged to display empathy towards employees eager to watch England’s early morning World Cup match. TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak has emphasized the widespread enthusiasm for the Three Lions across the UK and requested employers to consider allowing flexible working arrangements for their staff during the England vs. Mexico game.
With the inconvenient timing of the match, many fans are faced with the dilemma of staying up until the early hours to support players like Harry Kane or missing the game entirely. While some professions require employees to work as usual, Alex Hall-Chen from the Institute of Directors suggested that accommodating flexible working hours or a delayed start on Monday could greatly boost morale post-match.
Recent research indicates a significant decrease in scheduled meetings on Monday morning due to the game, with many companies opting to reschedule or cancel appointments. Despite the late kick-off, an estimated 17.8 million fans are anticipated to tune in, either from home or at extended-hour venues.
To mitigate the potential impact of tiredness on the workforce, some individuals are considering taking time off or arriving late to work. Additionally, there has been a call to allow children to watch the match, leading to schools implementing late start times or special viewing arrangements.
Pubs are gearing up for increased patronage during the early hours match, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer relaxing licensing rules to permit establishments to remain open until 5am. This move is expected to result in a surge in alcohol sales, with pubs anticipating a boost in overall sales across various drink categories.
As the country rallies behind the national team, the British Beer and Pub Association urges responsible enjoyment of the event while highlighting the significance of coming together to support the Three Lions on this special occasion.
