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World Cup 2026 sick note epidemic?

Journalist: Dan Grennan, Daily Star

ended 01. May 2026

Hi there, 

I am looking for HR experts for a view on the risk of British working calling in sick during the upcoming World Cup 2026. Alcohol consumption inreases dramatically in the UK during major football tournaments as fans gather in pubs to support their country. 

During the 2024 Euros tournament an estimated one million workers called in sick. 

My questions are: 

  1. WIll there be an increase of ‘sickies’during the World Cup 2026? 
  2. Can you provide an estimate on the total number of sickes expected over the tournament?
  3. What percentage of Brits will call in sick? 
  4. How many will WFH?
  5. How many will be late?
  6. What conseuqnces should employees be aware of?
  7. Are there any actions employers can take? 
  8. Is there anything you would like to add?

 

 

3 responses from the Newspage community

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Editor
Ben Perks
Managing Director at Orchard Financial Advisers
I think the sickies will increase as England progress throughout the tournament. Honestly, the best advice for employers is… if you can’t beat them join them! Football fever will sweep the nation and you may as well get on board, adjust your opening hours, account for the hysteria and cheer the Team on.
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Kate Underwood
Founder & Chief People Strategist at Kate Underwood HR and Training
Big tournaments don’t cause a national HR crisis, but they do cause a Monday-morning wobble. I’d expect a bump in “sickies”, lateness and last-minute WFH requests around the biggest matches, especially after late kick-offs (and a few too many pints). Most people will still show up and crack on, but some workplaces will see real spikes.
Keep it simple: sickness must be genuine, call-in rules still apply, and pretending you’re ill can end in a disciplinary. For employers, the best approach is clear communication and a bit of practical flexibility. Set expectations early, plan cover for key matchdays, allow shift swaps or slightly later starts where you can, and manage absence fairly and consistently. No drama, just sensible planning.
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Rohit Parmar-Mistry
Founder at Pattrn Data
Yes, there will probably be more sickies during the World Cup, but this is not exactly a national emergency. It comes round once every four years, and if England go deep there will be plenty of people convincing themselves this might finally be the time. We say that every tournament, of course, but hope has a way of wrecking next morning attendance.

There could be some short term disruption, but I would not overstate the productivity hit given how weak UK productivity already is more broadly. The bigger issue is whether employers respond sensibly. With so many fans already priced out of going by the chaos, ticketing and price gouging around the US-hosted event, there is a fair argument for a bit more leniency at home where businesses can offer it.

That does not mean pretending the rules do not exist. Pulling a fake sick day can still become a conduct issue. But the smarter response from employers is clear communication, some flexibility where possible, and accepting that major events