Workers should be allowed to finish early to watch today's England match
The TUC Union says employers should be more flexible as the match kicks off at 5pm
Last updated 29th Jun 2021
There are calls for employers to be more flexible and allow people to finish work a bit early this afternoon in order for them to get home and watch the England match.
England play Germany in the first knockout round of Euro 2020 but it's come at unfortunate time for many as the game kicks off at 17:00 when many people are either at work or just finishing.
The TUC Union has been calling for employers to be more flexible with their staff for a while now and say this is the perfect time for them to be lenient.
Beth Farhat is the Regional Secretary for the Union in Cumbria:
"It's been a very difficult year for workers and I think if employers can be flexible enough to allow their staff to leave early or facilitate them watching the watch that would be absolutely wonderful. (it would) create an atmosphere and an environment where people come together and support something really positive.
"It's really important to talk about flexibility in the broader sense as well. When it come to wanting to leave early to take part in major sporting events like the Euro, or attending a medical appointment, picking the kids up from school. That balance needs to be addressed as we come out of COVID and people move back into the workplace.
"You can't have the match on in every single work place. Its just not realistic, but if people can have chance to be on their phones to keep an eye on the result or even be more flexible around shift swapping or holiday. It'll give the country a reason to get together.
"There'll be people who will not be able to leave work to watch the match as they're providing an essential service or working shifts but what I would recommend is, if there's an opportunity to watch the match or listen to it, just to create that culture of support collectivism, something for people to come around on.
"It's something we've been calling for a very long time. I think allowing flexibility to be able to do that and manage that through consultation between staff is the best way forward."
Famous faces and the teams they support
AJ Tracey - Tottenham
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Jade Thirlwall - South Shields and Newcastle United
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In August 2020, Jade became the Honorary President of South Shields Football Club, with the club saying, "We are proud to announce that Jade Thirlwall has accepted the role of Honorary President at South Shields Football Club."
Drake - Chelsea
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The rapper was later photographed in the dressing room with Chelsea legends such as John Terry, Ashley Cole and Didier Drogba.
Liam Payne - West Brom
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Aitch - Manchester United
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Ed Sheeran - Ipswich Town
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Perrie Edwards - Liverpool
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Dave - Manchester United
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In September 2020, Dave's dreams come true when he played at Old Trafford as part of this year's Soccer Aid game!
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Jess also performed at Wembley Stadium ahead of Arsenal's FA Community Shield game against Chelsea back in August 2015.
Stormzy - Manchester United
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KSI - Arsenal
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Nathan Dawe - Aston Villa
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Big Zuu - Liverpool
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