Can my boss stop me taking time off work to watch England in the Euros? Your rights explained in full
A HR expert has explained your rights if you want to take time off to watch England during Euro 2024.
Neil Finegan, from distance learning provider, DLC Training, has revealed whether you can face disciplinary actions or even get fired as a result.
It comes as excited England fans downed pints today as they packed out a square in Germany ahead of tonight’s Three Lions game.
Mr Finegan told the Express: “As long as you follow the dedicated sick leave policy in your workplace, it’s very difficult for a business to sack you, even if you call in sick following a sporting event like the Euros.
“So if you are genuinely ill, and need to take time off work to recover, make sure to do this as much in advance as you can, and check to see whether your workplace requires a doctor’s note, or return to work assessment.”
He went on to say, however, that businesses will be well aware that some of these absences might “hangover-related”.
He said: “If your colleagues have access to your social media and see you cheering on the match, they might raise suspicions about the integrity of your sick leave, and you could face disciplinary action, as this would be considered a conduct issue.”
Annual leave requests for today have shot up by 123 per cent while other fans are working from home to ensure they finish in time.
Some firms are closing their doors early with millions predicted to pull a sickie tomorrow to nurse their sore heads.
Cheering supporters have turned Germany’s bars and fan zones into a sea of red and white for the Euros clash with Denmark.
Fans are already packing out pubs to settle their nerves as Gareth Southgate‘s men hope to secure a last-16 spot.
The travelling supporters watched a cagey first half between their group C rivals Serbia and Slovenia.
A draw between the two teams would see England through top of their group – if they can beat the Danes tonight.
Supporters were seen cooling off in Romerberg Square’s Fountain of Justice while others draped St George’s flags over themselves.
Some fans played with a football to a cheering crowd as they soaked up the atmosphere.
Prince William is among supporters who have headed to Frankfurt to cheer on the Three Lions.
The 5pm kick-off time means a race against time for office workers in England so they don’t miss a second of the action – although millions are predicted to leave early.