Britain’s bosses are being urged to let their staff clock off early so they can watch the knockout stages of Euro 2020.
Just 12 teams are still standing in the tournament – with Denmark, Italy, Czech Republic and Belgium all progressing to the quarter-finals with victories over the weekend.
Out of the home nations, only England remain – with Wales eliminated on Saturday and Scotland failing to progress past the group stage.
Gareth Southgate’s men play Germany on Tuesday (June 28) in a bid to make it to the final eight of the competition.
But with kick-off at 5pm, many fans will still be at work when the Three Lions take to the pitch for the massive international fixture at Wembley.
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The Trades Union Congress (TUC) – a national trade union centre – has now told employers to let their staff finish early to watch the game.
TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady – an England and Arsenal supporter – 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.
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“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.”
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Croatia play Spain tonight in Copenhagen at 5pm, with France taking on Switzerland in Bucharest at 8pm.
Two of the Euros 2020 quarter-finals have already been decided – with Belgium playing Italy and Czech Republic going up against Denmark.
A victory for England against Germany will see them drawn against the winner of Sweden and Ukraine – who play at 8pm in Glasgow on Tuesday.
Featured image: Stevie Finney / Flickr
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Manchester-born Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Danny Jones
Manchester actor, best known for roles in Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Shirley Valentine and more, has sadly died at the age of 79.
Born in Blackley near the River Irk, historically part of Lancashire, the familiar British face who often popped up in Hollywood too famously played Théoden, the King of Rohan, in the original trilogy of fantasy films as well as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic.
His death was announced by his agent Lou Coulson via the BBC, who confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A statement from his family is expected soon and tributes are already pouring in online.
Hill studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre, formerly known as the Polytechnic School of Theatre and also went on to appear in the much-loved BBC drama by Alan Bleasdale, Boys from the Blackstuff, back in 1982.
Playing the character of Yosser Hughes – best-known for the line “gizza a job” – the show went on to be awarded a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and was ranked as the seventh best TV show ever made on a 2000 round-up by the British Film Institute
He was also due for a big return to TV screens in series two of another BBC hit, The Responder starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing at 9pm this Sunday.
Stuart Everett – family of man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale pay tribute to ‘endearing character’
Daisy Jackson
The family of the man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale in Salford have paid tribute to him after his ‘untimely death’.
After the torso of Stuart Everett was discovered on 4 April, further parts of his body were found in four different areas of the city.
GMP launched an extensive murder inquiry and a huge search effort to correctly identify Stuart and notify his family of his death.
It’s thought the 67-year-old died at an address in Winton at the end of March.
His family have now issued a tribute to his ‘endearing character’ and thanked the public for their messages of support.
In a statement issued through GMP, they said: “We as a family are united in our grief over the devastating news of Stuart’s untimely death and the manner in which he died.
“He was a unique and endearing character who always put his family and many friends first.
“He loved his food his garden his music and a flutter on the horses, we have been overwhelmed with the messages of support and are thankful that so many people thought so much of him.
“He did not deserve to die the way he did and will be eternally missed. R.I.P.”
Two men have been charged with the murder of Stuart Everett.
The searches across Salford at sites at Blackleach Reservoir, Linneyshaw Colliery Wood, Bridgewater Canal, and a house in the Winton area of the city, as well as a warehouse in Bury, are continuing.
GMP is continuing to receive details from the public that may assist these searches. Any further information should be given by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024.
If you would like to remain anonymous, details can be shared via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.