Swindon business allows World Cup fans to come in late

With games kicking off as late as 2am UK time, many businesses across Britain are making temporary changes to support football fans, including shift swaps, later start times, and options to make up hours at a later date.

One of the firms making adjustments is Swindon-based Mather and Murray Financial according to the Daily Mail.

Samuel Mather-Holgate, managing director of the advisory firm, said: "Flexibility is being offered around late games, although based on England's current performances, the policy may not be needed for very long.

"Staff can swap shifts, start later after big matches, or make the time up sensibly."

Mr Mather-Holgate said: "The aim is to keep morale high without the business scoring an own goal on productivity.

"For small firms, this is about trust, not a free-for-all.

"And frankly, if employees can survive extra time, penalties, and the national emotional wobble, they have probably earned a later start."

Elsewhere, new research suggests that staff aren’t abusing the flexibility.

Some employment commentators initially feared a rise in sickness absences following major matches, but a study by Breath HR, which supports smaller companies with their HR, showed otherwise.

According to their data, only 0.72 per cent of workers were off sick on Thursday, June 18, following England’s opening game—fewer than the previous two Thursdays.

Bharat Siyani, of Breathe HR, said: "Headlines have painted Brits as a nation of chancers, willing to pull a fast one on their employers and call in sick the day after World Cup games.

"However, our data suggests footie fans aren’t letting the festivities impact their work attendance, with no spike in absences following England’s winning first match.

"If this trend continues as the tournament unfolds, it will be good news for employers bracing for a sickie spike this World Cup season."