British businesses are set to grind to a halt as millions of workers skive off to watch Euro 2024.
Research shows nearly half the nation plans to tune into the tournament on TV. With some matches kicking off at 2pm, bosses have been warned to expect a mass downing of tools.
England’s group game against Denmark next Thursday starts at 5pm and is certain to prompt an early exodus. One in 11 skived off during England’s men’s World Cup group game against Iran in Qatar in 2022, which kicked off at 1pm in Britain.
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Millions more sneaked off to watch the Lionesses’ bid for World Cup glory in Australia last year where matches started at 8am.
(Image: Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)
Conciliation service Acas advises employers and small businesses to plan ahead of key games and have agreements in place to cover requests for time off, sickness absence, website use during working hours and listening to the radio or watching TV.
Acas boss Susan Clews has said: “For many businesses maintaining a certain staffing level is critical in order to survive. Employers should have a set of simple workplace agreements in place before kick-off to help ensure their businesses remain productive whilst keeping staff on side too.
“Our top tips can help managers get the best from their team players. Arrange appropriate substitutions if necessary and avoid unnecessary penalties or unplanned sendings-off.”
Fans can tune into three matches a day during the first two sets of group games at the tournament in Germany. Games kick off at 2pm, 5pm and 8pm.
The final set of group matches kick-off at either 5pm or 8pm as do the round-of-16 and quarter-finals. It is not until the semis and the final stage that games start at 8pm.
Boozer bosses plan to encourage folk to “work from the pub” during the tournament. It follows research that found it is 40% cheaper than booking a co-working space for the day, saving an average of £9-a-day.
Alliance Online analysed co-working deals offered by six major UK pub chains comparing prices with five nationwide co-working spaces. It found the average daily cost to work from a pub is just £13, 40% cheaper than the average £22 cost of a desk in a co-working space.
(Image: PA)
A number of popular pubs across London offer tables for workers to rent for the day. All Bar One offers unlimited tea and coffee alongside a desk for £13. Other popular boozers such as Brewdog, Young’s and Brewhouse and Kitchen offer similar deals.
Rachael Kiss, from Alliance Online, has advised staff planning to work from a boozer to get there “as soon as possible” arriving “during off-peak hours as this is when it will be less crowded”.
It comes as it was revealed England fans are expected to waste £300,000 worth of beer when they leap from their seats celebrating goals during the tournament.
According to retail analyst VoucherCodes.co.uk at least 230 million drinks will be supped as Gareth Southgate’s stars battle to end 58 years of hurt. The firm’s Anita Naik said: “Waterproofs might be a good idea.
“After England’s agonising defeat in the last UEFA Euro final all eyes will be on the Three Lions as they head to Germany this summer in the hope of lifting the much longed-for trophy.”
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