Rayner calls for early finish to support England

Ashton MP Angela Rayner has called on bosses to give staff an early finish today so they can cheer on the England football team.

The Three Lions take on old foes this Germany evening at 5pm and Rayner has said that workers should be sent home early to support the team.

She tweeted “Good luck to the England lads today, the whole country is behind you! Bosses - let your workers finish early to watch the game!” and it was even liked by England team themselves.

Angela added: "Today is an absolutely massive day for our country. After being apart from our friends and family, so many of us will want to watch the game with our friends and family, whether at home or in the pub.

"So I call on employers and bosses to be flexible and let their staff finish early so they can enjoy the game with their friends and family and the whole nation can get behind the team.

"I know lots of employers will already have done this, which is great news, and my team will certainly be on a three line whip to stop work at kick off.

"Obviously this won't be possible for lots of key workers and shift workers - the very same people who have kept our country going through this pandemic.

"So I think we all owe them another big thank you today!”

General secretary Frances O'Grady said: "Millions of workers around the UK will want to cheer on their national teams in Euro 2020, especially after the tournament was postponed last year.

"Bosses should talk to their staff and 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 about major sporting events like Euro 2020, attending a medical appointment or picking up the kids from school, allowing people more flexibility in how and when they do their work makes them happier. It cuts absenteeism and raises productivity."