England football fans issued legal warning over 'calling in sick' after Euro 2024 final

Football enthusiasts have been cautioned about phoning in sick on Monday following the Euro 2024 final between England and Spain on Sunday evening.

Gareth Southgate's squad has secured a final with Spain after narrowly defeating the Netherlands 2-1 in a tense semi-final, thanks to an exceptional goal from Ollie Watkins and a somewhat contentious penalty from Harry Kane. If the match extends into extra time and penalties (let's hope not), it could conclude as late as 10.45pm.

Depending on the outcome, there might be a significant number of people nursing hangovers from late nights early on Monday morning. However, employment lawyers have previously issued warnings about taking a sick day - which could potentially result in job loss, reports The Express.

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He stated: "We'd encourage workers to have an open discussion with their employers about their working arrangements for that day. mWhere feasible, many companies may be able to offer an extended lunch break or even remote working... and this is something we'd encourage. If this cannot be granted, employees should consider taking annual leave rather than resorting to pulling a sickie."

"If an employer suspects their employee has called in sick and it is not genuine, they can investigate the case and take disciplinary action over unauthorised absence."

If an employee lies or exaggerates an illness or injury to avoid work when they are actually fine, this amounts to gross misconduct and a valid reason in some situations for being dismissed by their employer. Supporters who are still intoxicated when they return to work or engage in any behaviour that could tarnish their employer's reputation may risk losing their jobs.

A notable incident occurred during the 2021 World Cup when a woman from West Yorkshire called in sick to her job, only to be seen on television at the England vs Denmark match. She was swiftly dismissed from her position. However, her company did offer employees the following Monday morning off to recover from the game.

Charles Taylor, director of Composite Prime, said: "It's an exciting time for everyone in England and given the opportunity, we would have encouraged attendance to such an important football match. Unfortunately on this occasion our employee lied, taking one day off sick to attend the football match on Wednesday 7 July. This was in breach of her employment contract and so we had no choice but to take the appropriate action.

"As a business we value honesty and integrity, and we don't tolerate any employee taking advantage of our policies. Like many businesses will be doing across the county, our staff will be having Monday morning off to hopefully recover from celebrating an England win."