- The Observer,
- Sunday April 28, 2002
Facing the prospect of the biggest 'sickie' in history as offices empty during big games, the Government is now urging employers to bow to the inevitable.
Staff should be let out to watch the match wherever possible and allowed to make time up later, possibly by coming in early before play starts or working late at night, according to Patricia Hewitt, Trade and Industry Secretary.
'We all want to watch England do well in the World Cup but clearly the timing of the England matches will be an issue for employers,' she told The Observer .
'The last thing they need is the entire workforce taking a sickie on the day of a big match.'
Because the tournament is being staged in Japan and Korea, matches will fall during mornings, British time. England's clash with arch-rivals Argentina is scheduled for midday on Friday 7 June.
Up to seven million football fans plan to take time off, by hook or by crook, for the World Cup, according to research by Taylor Nelson Sofries released last week. One in 10 would happily fake illness to do so: some experts estimate the cost to business at £400 million a match.
Ministers accept that those in essential jobs cannot expect the morning off, but argue that where feasible employers should set up screens at work instead.
Hewitt herself has promised civil servants she will not schedule meetings for her department during England matches. 'You can't do this for everything - but after all, it is the World Cup,' said one aide.
Tony Blair, keen to stress his man-of-the-people credentials, has made a point of catching big games in the past. During World Cup 1998 he was famously photographed sharing a few beers on the sofa with Gordon Brown in front of the TV, defusing rumours of a rift.
'Employers will want to support the national side just as strongly as many football fans. It's likely that they will allow flexible working wherever possible,' said a Confederation of British Industry spokesman.
According to DTI officials, if England does well, once the hangovers have cleared a sense of national jubilation might even spark an increase in productivity at work. Research has already shown that football victories trigger off a surge of testosterone, boosting fans' sexual performance.
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