One third of UK workers plan to pull a sickie to watch the world cup according to new national research.

With the first game of the world’s biggest international football tournament kicking off in working hours at 1pm on Monday 21 November, more than 30% of British workers have admitted they will call in sick so they can watch, the study by Road to Victory, Europe’s largest fan zone to be hosted at Depot Mayfield in Manchester, reveals.

The top three excuses to be given to employers for an employee missing a day of work to watch a winter game are vomiting and diarrhoea (14%), followed by a migraine (4.5%) and finally covid (3.6%).

And for the lucky fans, who still benefit from WFH days, over two thirds (61.4%) say they plan to skip office days, to watch the football whilst working from home.

Despite clear plans from the nation to skive a day off work, either through illness or working from home duties, almost half of British workers (46%) said they would take an ‘honest’ half day holiday if offered from employers to watch the game.
In response to the nations’ honesty plea, Road to Victory, the UK’s largest fan zone with capacity for 6,000 fans in Manchester, has set up a change.org petition – for fans to register their vote for an extra half day to be given by employers to cheer on England as they kick off the world cup.

Located at the home of The Warehouse Project and Escape to Freight Island, Road to Victory, is using the petition to speak directly to employers, to advise that they should offer a half day on Monday 21st November to discourage sick days and turn the match into a team building exercise where employees can celebrate victory together.

Road to Victory, has also launched group packages and food & drinks options, to encourage planned viewings of the upcoming games and boost morale amongst workforces.

Starting from £19.95 per person, employers can book a three-course pre-match meal for their team, with the likes stacked burgers, saucy chicken wings and loaded fries on the menu.

David Norris of AIX Live, organisers of Road to Victory said: “The upcoming world cup is not just about supporting England, it’s an opportunity for friends, family and employees to come together and celebrate victory.

“The Lionesses won gold this year – and now it’s time for the boys to bring home the trophy.

“With the world cup taking place in Qatar, more fans than ever will be supporting from home in the UK and it’s the responsibility of businesses to ensure that employees are able to celebrate.

“Sign the petition – and let’s make a milestone change.”

With over 100,000 square foot of football action, multiple screens including a massive 140 square meter screen, football fans will be wowed by a fully immersive light show which will add to the electric atmosphere for England’s matches at Road to Victory.
To sign up to the petition please visit https://www.change.org/p/businesses-to-give-employees-a-half-day-off-to-watch-england-start-their-road-to-victory