Firms should be flexible with staffing during Euro 2016, according to the the conciliation service Acas.
The month-long tournament begins in France on June 10 with many games – including England v Wales – being played in the working day.
The England v Wales match will kick off at 2pm BST on Thursday, June 15.
The BBC reports that Acas ‘has published a set of guidelines to prevent disputes arising if staff want to watch their team in the competition’.
Sir Brendan Barber, who chairs Acas, said: “The Euro 2016 tournament is an exciting event for many football fans but staff should avoid getting a red card for unreasonable demands or behaviour in the workplace during this period.
“Many businesses need to maintain a certain staffing level in order to survive. Employers should have a set of simple workplace agreements in place before kick off to help ensure their businesses remain productive whilst keeping staff happy too.”
Another possible option is to have a more flexible working day, with staff starting work later or finishing early and then agreeing when this time can be made up.
Employers could also allow staff to take a break during match times, Acas has suggested.