Workers should be allowed to finish early to watch today's England match
The TUC Union says employers should be more flexible as the match kicks off at 5pm
Last updated 29th Jun 2021
There are calls for employers to be more flexible and allow people to finish work a bit early this afternoon in order for them to get home and watch the England match.
England play Germany in the first knockout round of Euro 2020 but it's come at unfortunate time for many as the game kicks off at 17:00 when many people are either at work or just finishing.
The TUC Union has been calling for employers to be more flexible with their staff for a while now and say this is the perfect time for them to be lenient.
Beth Farhat is the Regional Secretary for the Union in Cumbria:
"It's been a very difficult year for workers and I think if employers can be flexible enough to allow their staff to leave early or facilitate them watching the watch that would be absolutely wonderful. (it would) create an atmosphere and an environment where people come together and support something really positive.
"It's really important to talk about flexibility in the broader sense as well. When it come to wanting to leave early to take part in major sporting events like the Euro, or attending a medical appointment, picking the kids up from school. That balance needs to be addressed as we come out of COVID and people move back into the workplace.
"You can't have the match on in every single work place. Its just not realistic, but if people can have chance to be on their phones to keep an eye on the result or even be more flexible around shift swapping or holiday. It'll give the country a reason to get together.
"There'll be people who will not be able to leave work to watch the match as they're providing an essential service or working shifts but what I would recommend is, if there's an opportunity to watch the match or listen to it, just to create that culture of support collectivism, something for people to come around on.
"It's something we've been calling for a very long time. I think allowing flexibility to be able to do that and manage that through consultation between staff is the best way forward."
Famous faces and the teams they support
Ant and Dec - Newcastle United
TV presenters Ant and Dec make it no secret that they are beloved Newcastle United fans! The Geordie duo are often spotted at games in the Toon, sitting alongside the club's directors Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi.
Despite missing some games due to their work commitments, the boys are never too far away from their phones watching their beloved team play.
Ed Sheeran - Ipswich Town
Ed Sheeran and his wife Cherry Seaborn are massive Ipswich Town supporters, with the pair attending a number of games in the past.
Will Ferrell - Chelsea
American actor Will Ferrell is a huge Chelsea fan and is often in attendance of games at Stamford Bridge.
Jade Thirlwall - South Shields and Newcastle United
As well as supporting Newcastle United, Little Mix singer Jade Thirlwall is often spotted at her local town's football team - South Shields FC.
In August 2020, Jade became the Honorary President of South Shields Football Club, with the club saying: "We are proud to announce that Jade Thirlwall has accepted the role of Honorary President at South Shields Football Club."
Anne Hathaway - Arsenal
Actress Anne Hathaway let slip during an interview in 2024 that she is a huge fan of London club Arsenal. Anne couldn't hide her excitement mid-interview when Leandro Trossard scored a late winner for the Gunners. After the footage went rival, Trossard sent a video message to Anne, leaving her 'shaking'.
AJ Tracey - Tottenham
'West Ten' rapper AJ Tracey is a massive Spurs fan! Not only did he perform at the club's 2019 Nike kit launch, he's also been spotted in the crown and in the dressing rooms, getting photos with plays such as Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Son Heung-min.
Drake - Chelsea
Drake is a massive Chelsea fan and even had a kick about with the team before a Champions League match back in 2012.
The rapper was later photographed in the dressing room with Chelsea legends such as John Terry, Ashley Cole and Didier Drogba.
Liam Payne - West Brom
Liam Payne was often spotted attending West Brom games during his time in One Direction, and when his son Bear Grey Payne was born in 2017, the club even mocked up a little shirt for him - cute!
Aitch - Manchester United
Not only is Aitch good mates with former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard, the rapper also launched the club's 2019 home kit!
Perrie Edwards - Liverpool
Despite also having a soft-spot for her hometown team Newcastle United, Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards showed massive support for Liverpool when her fiancé Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain played for them.
When Liverpool won the Champions League back in 2019, Perrie was pictured celebrating on the pitch with her man, and of course THAT trophy!
Dave - Manchester United
Dave often tweets his love (and frustration) about his beloved team Manchester United, with the 'Location' hit maker previously helping the club secure the signing of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
In September 2020, Dave's dreams come true when he played at Old Trafford as part of this year's Soccer Aid game!
Jess Glynne - Arsenal
Jess Glynne has a massive passion for football, and in particular her beloved Arsenal! Back in 2015 the club gave Jess a VIP tour around the Emirates after discovering she was such a big fan!
Jess also performed at Wembley Stadium ahead of Arsenal's FA Community Shield game against Chelsea back in August 2015. She's now dating former Arsenal Ladies player Alex Scott.
Prince William and Prince George - Aston Villa
Prince William and his eldest son Prince George are massive fans of Aston Villa! The dad-and-son duo often attend games together, with Prince William even sharing a message on social media when his team qualified for the Champions League!
Stormzy - Manchester United
Another huge star that supports the Red Devils is Stormzy! As well as attending the club's end of season party, the 'Vossi Bop' singer has been down at the training ground a number of times!
KSI - Arsenal
YouTuber KSI is a massive Arsenal fan, with the rapper featuring a lot on AFTV. KSI also gets some of the players involved on his own YouTube channel, playing FIFA against the likes of Mesut Özil.
In 2022, KSI's popular drink PRIME partnered with Arsenal.
Sylvester Stallone - Everton
Legendary actor Sylvester Stallone is a fan of Merseyside club Liverpool. Sylvester has a close friendship with club's former director Robert Earl, and has been spotted a games before! He even once expressed his regret in not buying the club when he had the chance.
Nathan Dawe - Aston Villa
DJ Nathan Dawe is a lifelong Aston Villa fan, so it's no surprise he was over the moon when the club managed to finish in the Top 4 during the 23/24 season.
Noel Gallagher - Manchester City
Musician Noel Gallagher is a Manchester City fan through and through. Despite opting not to join in with the Poznan as Man City beat Fulham during the 23/24 season, Noel is often seen in the crown at games, as well as joining the players on their celebratory tours.
Noel's brother and fellow Oasis star Liam is also a big City fan!
Big Zuu - Liverpool
Rapper Big Zuu is a huge fan of Liverpool! He was invited to a number of games during the 2019 season, as well as filming content with former players such as Jordan Henderson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Young T & Bugsey - Arsenal and Manchester United
They are the best of friends but when it comes to football Young T & Bugsey have a major rivalry! Whilst Young T is a huge Arsenal fan, Bugsey's loyalties are with Manchester United.
Sam Fender - Newcastle United
Born in North Shields, it's no surprise 'Seventeen Going Under' singer Sam Fender is true Geordie! Sam has adored Newcastle United since he was a little boy and in 2023 his dreams came true when he played a number of sold-out shows at his beloved St James' Park.