ENGLAND fans woke up with puffy eyes and sore heads this morning after a devastating defeat last night saw Italy take home the Euro 2020 cup.

Excited fans kicked off early celebrations from Sunday morning, only to watch the Three Lions miss out on penalties.

And with an 8pm kick off, extra time and penalties, the sold-out clash at Wembley didn't end until around 11pm.

But does it mean today – Monday, July 12 – is a bank holiday and do you have to go to work?

BrightHR saw a 41% increase in the number of workers calling in sick after the England-Germany game in the knockout stage of the tournament as fans painted the town red.

Some firms and schools, including Lidl, are letting staff and pupils start later on today to give them a chance to recover.

But unless your employer has specifically said this is the case, you'll need to turn up to work as normal.

That's because it's an ordinary working day, not a bank holiday.

Despite a petition from 320,000 footie-mad fans, Boris Johnson ruled out springing a bank holiday on July 12 but was reported to be considering scheduling in one for August if the Three Lions had won Euro 2020.

Instead, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) urged employers to be flexible and allow workers to start later than usual on Monday, July 12.

General secretary Frances O'Grady said: "Bosses should talk to their staff about flexible working arrangements ahead of Monday morning – perhaps allowing them to start later and claim back their time afterwards."

We explain everything you need to know about how a day-off following the game could work.

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Is today an extra bank holiday?

No, today is not a bank holiday.

There were hopes that the government would announce a national day off for July 12 if England were victorious.

Unfortunately there are set rules in place for the government to grant a bank holiday, and given how soon the final was, it was unlikely.

The Prime Minister also said it would be "tempting fate" if a day's holiday was granted, so instead said pubs could remain open until 11.15pm on Sunday, July 11.

However, companies could take the opportunity to reward their workers with a day off – particularly following such a difficult year.

Marcus Beaver, UK and Ireland country leader at Alight Solutions, previously said: “Businesses who offer Euros-related leave could reap the rewards of an appreciative and motivated workforce."

Can I take today as holiday?

BrightHR saw a 322% increase in annual leave requests for July 12 following England's victory against Denmark.

But there are set rules around requesting holiday from your employer, including giving appropriate notice.

The statutory notice period for taking leave is at least twice as long as the amount of leave a worker wants to take, plus 1 day.

For example, to take the Monday following the match off, you would have to give three days’ notice for one day’s leave.

But an employer can refuse a leave request or cancel leave if give as much notice as the amount of leave requested, plus one day.

You should also bear in mind that your employer may have their own rules about annual leave.

They may require a longer notice period or have restrictions on how many people on your team can be off at once.

Bill Richards, UK managing director at Indeed, previously said: "Football fans wanting to take time off work to cheer on Gareth Southgate’s team would be wise to have those conversations with their managers as soon as possible. 

“Although most 9-5 workers are entitled to 28 days’ paid annual leave a year — with part-time workers permitted to fewer days off — employers are not obliged to accept holiday requests and might take a dim view of last minute proposals."

What is statutory sick pay (SSP)?

IF you’re too sick to work, you may qualify for statutory sick pay (SSP) from your employer.

To qualify for sick pay, you must work for an employer and earn on average at least £120 per week (£6,240 per year).

The weekly rate for statutory sick pay is £95.85 for up to 28 weeks, although most employers will pay more than this.

From April 16, employers were told to start paying sick pay to those who were shielding from the first day an employee was off work.

Businesses didn't have to pay any money for someone who was shielding before this date. This scheme ended on August 1. 

To qualify, you will need to have been off work due to illness or self-isolate due to coronavirus for at least four days in a row. 

You won't qualify if you've already received the maximum amount of pay – which is 28 weeks.

You also won't qualify if you're getting Statutory Maternity Pay.

Can I call in sick and what are my rights?

It could be tempting to call in sick today as you mourn England's loss to Italy on penalties, even if you're okay to work.

However, if your employer suspects that you're not genuinely ill the day after the Euros final, there could be serious repercussions.

This could lead to disciplinary action and even dismissal.

The Sun reported how one worker was fired from her job after pulling a sickie to go to the Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark.

Her boss insisted he had "no choice" due to her lies after she was spotted celebrating on the TV.

Matt Gingell, managing partner of law firm Lombards, said: "Employers could take disciplinary action and it could amount to gross misconduct."

When is the next bank holiday?

Fans are still asking for a bank holiday – as a day of mourning.

However, the upcoming bank holiday dates in 2021 are:

• Monday, August 30 – Summer bank holiday – or Monday, August 2, for those in Scotland
• Monday, December 27 – Christmas Day (substitute day)
• Tuesday, December 28 – Boxing Day (substitute day)

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