England followers set to pretend sudden sickness to overlook work for Euros conflict v Denmark

Up to 220,000 workers will suddenly start coughing tomorrow afternoon (Thursday, June 20) – so they are sent home sick in time for England’s kick-off.

A dramatic epidemic of `football flu’ is set to sweep the nation ahead of the Three Lions’ vital Euro 24 clash with Denmark.

If Gareth Southgate’s lads’ win they will qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament.

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The match starts at 5pm but only 21% of the UK’s 33 million-strong workforce – around seven million – have been told they can finish early to watch the action.

Analysts reckon another two million will try to pull a fast one to see the game. Bosses have been warned to watch out for a sudden outbreak of sickness from mid-afternoon.

According to research commissioned by doughnut giant Krispy Kreme 11% will feign illness in a bid to make it to the pub in time for kick-off.

That will involve sudden cases of `coughing or a lost voice’. Around 14% – 280,000 – will claim they are being called away by a family emergency.

‌While 9% – 180,000 – will lie they have an appointment with a doctor or dentist. Experts say 31% – 620,000 – will not have come in at all after bunking off sick for the day.

‌An estimated 18.5 million tuned in on TV to watch England’s opening victory against Serbia on Sunday night as they bid to end 58 years of hurt by winning a major football tournament for the first time since the 1966 World Cup.

‌A similar number is expected to watch today’s clash in Frankfurt, Germany, in homes, pubs and fan zones across the UK.

‌Annual leave requests are up on the May daily average by 123% tomorrow (Thursday, June 20) and 148% on Friday (June 21) according to research by digital solutions giant BrightHR.

‌Chief executive Alan Price said: “Businesses can expect a sharp increase in the number of staff finishing work early or taking half-days to catch the action live.

‌”Match days like this one can have a huge impact on attendance and productivity in the workplace, with absences, sickness and lateness sometimes doubling after big games.’’

‌During the 2022 Qatar World Cup there was a 111% rise in people calling in sick when England played the USA in the group stages compared to the daily average.

‌HR, employment law and health and safety consultancy services firm Peninsula plans to screen the Denmark match for its staff.

‌Employment services director Kate Palmer said: “We choose to show big games in the office so employees don’t miss out on any of the action whilst continuing to do their work.

‌”This could also be a good solution for businesses where remote working is not an option.

‌”With a 5pm kick-off some bosses may choose to put on a social option for employees to stay behind and watch the match with colleagues.

‌”Maybe you order in some pizzas and make an evening of it.’’

‌But she warned firms would need to check they had the right drinks, entertainment and TV licences in place – and to watch out for drunks.

‌More than 50,000 England fans were yesterday (wed) arriving in Frankfurt for the game, many without tickets.

‌Prince William is expected to be among the crowd at the Frankfurt Arena which only has a capacity of 46,000.

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