Flexible Work Hours for England's Early Morning World Cup Match
Joshua Elash (right) and his deputy CEO Gareth Lewis flew out to the World Cup to watch England play Croatia in their opening match.
As anticipation rises for Monday's late-night World Cup fixture, businesses are determining how to manage operations the following day.
Employees intending to stay up for England's match against Mexico, which starts at 01:00 BST, are seeking clarity on their work options.
While sectors like manufacturing and retail may find flexibility challenging, some companies are offering later start times to accommodate fans needing rest.
Joshua Elash, head of London-based MG Finance Group, is permitting his employees to begin work at 11:00.
"It wasn't a dilemma at all. This was as close to a no-brainer as a business can get," he says.
"Everybody at this company works in the office. We don't actually have a work from home policy here.
"We're a finance company, so we think it's important and critical that everybody is in and communicating and working together in real time.
"So yeah, under normal circumstances, all 125 of them would be here in the office at 08:45 or 09:00 Monday morning. But that certainly won't be the case this Monday."
Joshua mentions that he and other senior managers will stay up to watch the game and believes if he opts for a lie-in, it is fair to extend the same to the team.
"It's good for morale," he says, adding it will be worthwhile even if Monday's productivity is reduced.
"Some things are more important than, you know, a day's revenue," he adds.
Managing a 1am Kick-Off: Guidance and Industry Responses
On Thursday, the government announced that pubs could remain open until 05:00 on Monday.
Employers are encouraged to apply "common sense and understanding" when considering flexible working requests.
The Trades Union Congress (TUC), representing trade unions, advises employers to allow staff to work from home, start later, make up hours later, or swap shifts where possible.
John Palmer, senior advisor at the conciliation service Acas, emphasizes that firms must handle time-off requests fairly, noting that the workforce will include both Mexico and England supporters. He also cautions that short-notice leave may not always be feasible.
Palmer adds that some employees uninterested in football might be willing to exchange shifts.
However, certain industries face greater challenges in offering flexibility. The British Chambers of Commerce identifies manufacturing production lines, frontline retail, and hospitality as sectors where adjustments are difficult.
Kate Shoesmith, director of policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, states:
"Ultimately, there will be some jobs, such as shift work, where it won't be possible but we're confident most employers will be thinking about how they can keep everyone onside.
"Talking to staff and customers about plans, can also help reduce disruption and decrease any impact on productivity."
Supermarkets Sainsbury's and Aldi have confirmed normal operations on Monday.
Michelle Last, partner at Keystone Law, explains that employees do not have a statutory right to take short-notice annual leave to watch or recover from a football match.
"The alternative is that the employee might call in sick or turn up for work tired and unproductive in any event.
"Given this risk, employers might sensibly proactively encourage employees to apply to take annual leave in anticipation of the match. And hopefully, the ensuing celebrations."
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