UK to grind to a halt as 2.2million Brits put together to name in sick after England recreation
Workers face the prospect clocking on after just a couple of hours’ sleep after pubs were given the green light to open until 5am as England take on Mexico in a crucial World Cup clash
Millions of footie fans are expected to stay up late to watch the game(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
Millions of footie fans are expected to call in sick on Monday after staying up late to watch England’s World Cup clash with Mexico. Workers face the prospect clocking on after just a couple of hours’ sleep after pubs were given the green light to open until 5am.
And research suggests as many as 70% of Brits plan to stay up late to watch the game and only one in four bosses will let staff work later. Around 6.4% of workers – which works out as many as 2.2 million – are expected to throw a sickie on Monday morning.
Research shows man are significantly more likely to skive than women. And 47% of under-35s have already admitted they’ll phone in sick after a late-night match.
And as 12.4 million Brits plan to head to pubs and bars to tune in to the crunch march, around 27.5% will be taking a day off to recover from a hangover. But some aren’t even bothering with the full sick day – planning to stay logged on while doing absolutely nothing.
More than two thirds 61% will work from home if it means they can watch a match, research from VoucherCodes.co.uk shows. Clair Hughes from the firm said: “It’s clear to see that football fever is taking over the nation.
“Of course we’re not encouraging anyone to skip work… but the data is clear! It shows just how many fans get swept up in the excitement once the tournament begins.
“And with late kick offs, extra time and penalty drama almost certainly on the cards, it’s easy to forget about alarm clocks set for the next morning.
“The good news for the economy is that while some workers might be taking it slower, they’re still spending. From extra pints to hangover breakfasts, £3.8 billion is set to flow through pubs, cafes and supermarkets this summer.”
England manager Thomas Tuchel urged parents to let their kids stay up to watch the last 16 showdown at the Azteca and then bunk off school. He said: “Write an excuse for school and let them watch football.”
But Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “It’s a late game, but children can be in school the next day.” And the government said there would be no Bank Holiday on Monday.
