Tom Earnshaw
The Euros are finally here. But annoyingly for England fans, the first game falls on a school night - and one expert is warning about treating work the next day as an afterthought.
Kicking off on Friday (14 June), Euro 2024 will see millions of us once again hope Gareth Southgate and the boys can end endless years of hurt and finally bring football home.
Having come so close at Euro 2020, with us all daring to dream after Luke Shaw's opening goal at Wembley in the final, we'll be hoping for a repeat (minus the Italy comeback, please lads).
But those wanting to enjoy a couple of pints with England's opening game against Serbia on Sunday night (16 June) have been warned about getting carried away should Jude Bellingham and the boys put in a ten out of ten performance and get us thinking we can easily get by the likes of France and Portugal later on in the tournament.
It'll likely see pubs crammed up and down the country akin to a Friday or Saturday night, despite it being the start of the working week the following morning.
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Ahead of England's 8pm kick off on Sunday, one UK employment lawyer has warned fans they could be disciplined, or even sacked, if they call in sick on the Monday after the Three Lions' first outing.
Millions have been there before, feeling slightly worse for wear after having a few too many pints on a work night.
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The temptation to call in sick is never stronger in that moment - and especially so in the first week of an international football tournament with Monday's first game starting at 2pm.
Now, experts at national law firm Richard Nelson LLP have encouraged football supporters to think twice before faking an illness as it could lead to them being dismissed.
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Jayne Harrison, head of employment law at the firm, said: “With England being the favourites to win this year’s European Championship it’s inevitable that excitement for the tournament will reach fever pitch over the coming days as the Three Lions attempt to win their first major tournament in 58 years.
“Due to England’s first game being on a Sunday night it’s likely many supporters will be enjoying a few drinks during the game.
"That said, it’s important people remember to drink responsibility and ensure they’re in a fit state to work on the Monday morning.
“If an employer thinks their employee has called in sick and it is not genuine - such as to recover from a hangover - then they can investigate the case and may take disciplinary action over unauthorised absence.
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“For those wanting to indulge on Sunday night we’d encourage you to book annual leave for the following Monday, avoiding not turning up for work at all or worse being dismissed.”
The same message will apply to England fans as the tournament continues, with the second game against Denmark kicking off at 5pm on Thursday, 20 June and the final group game against Slovenia at 8pm on Tuesday, 25 June.
"Over the last few years companies across the country have embraced flexible working and we’d encourage them to do so during the Euros," Jayne said.
“Where possible many companies may be able to offer an early finish or even remote working for the afternoon and this is something we’d advocate.”
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During Euro 2020, which was held in the summer of 2021 due to Covid, one England fan was sacked after she called in sick to attend the semi-final against Denmark at Wembley.
If a worker does lie or exaggerate an illness or injury for the purpose of getting time off work when in reality they are fine, this would amount to gross misconduct and a fair reason in some circumstances for being let go by their employer.