England fans have been given a stern warning by an employment lawyer ahead of the Euro 2024 opener against Serbia. The lawyer stated that any workers who try to call in sick the day after the match could face the risk of being fired. The European Championships kick off with Germany facing Scotland on Friday night, and England’s first game against Serbia will take place on Sunday evening.
With the match starting at 8pm BST and potentially finishing late, it is expected that many fans will be out watching the game at pubs across the country. This could result in a few people feeling a bit worse for wear on Monday morning. However, experts from Richard Nelson LLP have advised against feigning illness to skip work.
Jayne Harrison, who heads the employment law department at the firm, emphasized the importance of responsible drinking and being fit for work the next day. She warned that employers have the right to investigate suspicious sick calls, especially if they suspect it’s due to a hangover. This could lead to disciplinary action or even dismissal for unauthorized absence.
Harrison also suggested that companies consider offering flexible working arrangements during the Euros, such as early finishes or remote work options. This would allow employees to enjoy the tournament while still fulfilling their work duties.
In terms of the England squad, manager Gareth Southgate may have to make adjustments to the defense if John Stones is unable to play. Stones, who had injury troubles last season, participated in training after recovering from a knock suffered in a previous match. If Stones is unavailable, Southgate will need to explore different center-back pairings for the game against Serbia.