Boris Johnson urges bosses to ‘let staff start work late on Monday after Euros final’

The Prime Minister has encouraged businesses across the country to allow a late start on Monday after the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy on Sunday night. 

While around eight million workers have booked Monday off, millions more are expected to throw sickies. 

Speaking on Thursday, less than twenty-four hours after England’s historic semi-final win against Denmark, Boris Johnson’s spokesman said: “We would want businesses who feel able to consider it if they can but we recognise it will vary depending on the business and company.”

HR experts and unions have also urged bosses to let staff take Monday off to avoid clashes with workers who will undoubtedly phone in sick after a heavy night celebrating (or mourning, in the worst case scenario). 

Alan Price, chief executive at Bright HR, said: “Companies should make the most of the morale boost for the country after lockdowns, and encourage staff to book annual leave for the day.”

A number of firms have already confirmed that they will be allowing a late start after the final, with several schools even telling pupils to enjoy a sleep in on Monday. 

St Martins CE Primary School in Oldham sent an email out to parents which read: “If your child is a football fan and likely to be staying up until after 11pm on Sunday to watch the final, then let them stay in bed a little longer and get to school by 10:30am on Monday morning. We would rather have children rested and in school ready to learn than absent all day or grumpy, as many of them were today!”

This comes after reports of a potential bank holiday in the event of England winning the Euro 2020 final.

We reported yesterday that government officials were discussing the possibility of a ‘national day of celebration’ if Harry Kane and the team bring it home on Sunday night. 

The Prime Minister has sadly ruled out springing a surprise Bank Holiday on employers this Monday – but he is considering one in August if England win.

England will take on Italy in the Euro 2020 final on Sunday, July 12th, at Wembley at 8pm.