Millions of England fans face a potentially gruelling Monday morning after the Three Lions' World Cup clash with Mexico kicked off at 1am UK time – a match that could have stretched to almost 4am if it went to penalties.
While the most dedicated supporters booked holidays weeks ago, many others had only since Wednesday night to make plans, leaving them to navigate the fine line between a legitimate day off and a sickie that could land them in trouble.
“Workers who pull a sickie after England's 1am World Cup match risk disciplinary action, lawyers say.”
Nicole Humphreys, a partner at the solicitors Mayo Wynne Baxter, said workers have no automatic right to take time off at short notice for a match. “Many employers will have policies setting out how holiday should be booked,” she said. “Where there is no policy, employees should usually give notice of at least twice the length of the time off they are requesting.”
For those who asked on Thursday morning and have a compliant workplace policy, the answer might be yes. But taking the day off without permission is likely to result in disciplinary action.
Pulling a sickie is not a valid medical reason for absence. While no sicknote is needed for one day, employees may have to self-certify their illness – and lawyers warn employers can investigate if they have suspicions. Joanne Moseley, legal director at Irwin Mitchell, said companies should have processes in place for odd-day absences, starting with a return-to-work interview where inconsistencies – such as social media posts showing the employee watching football – could be probed.
Pubs across the country were allowed to open until 5am to screen the match, and fans had already descended on Mexico City ahead of the crunch tie against the World Cup co-hosts. The match had been subject to talks about moving forward due to bad weather, but the 1am kick-off remained.
For those who stayed up, the alarm clock on Monday morning may bring a painful reminder that the World Cup hangover is not just about the result.