LABOUR backed the TUC’s calls today for employers to be flexible with workers wanting to watch the World Cup.

The tournament kicks off this evening attracting billions of watchers across the globe.

Not everyone will have the opportunity to watch every game with employees being forced to miss a glut of games due to televised games starting at various times from 11am. 

However, it won’t just be football fans who work daytime hours who will want to enjoy the tournament, with those working evening and night shifts also in danger of missing out.

The TUC is therefore calling on businesses across Britain to be sympathetic and allow their staff to possibly work from home or change their hours in order to support their country over the next few weeks.

Labour’s shadow sports minister Dr Rosena Allin-Khan MP, supporting the TUC’s call for employers to be flexible with staff wanting to watch the World Cup, said: “Labour echoes the call the TUC has made, asking employers to be flexible with staff wanting to watch the World Cup.
 
“As a nation, we’re proud to cheer on England in the World Cup and we believe that employers should be flexible with fans supporting our national team in the coming weeks.”

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “The World Cup is a landmark sporting event. Millions of workers around the UK will want to cheer on their national teams.

“Tournaments like this can be great for building camaraderie at work, with colleagues running sweepstakes and spending time together.

“It’s important employers do not score an own goal by acting like killjoys. To avoid problems they should try and let people who want to watch the games do so, either at work or at home — and then claim back their time afterwards.

“Whether it’s major sporting events like the World Cup or watching your kids take part in their school sports day, allowing people more flexibility in how and when they do their work makes them happier and more productive. Come on England.”