Trade and industry secretary Patricia Hewitt has urged firms to "encourage flexible working" during England's World Cup games.

She said: "It could be that those who want to watch the games come to work later and stay later in the day to make up time or they could come to work early and do some work before the game."

Forum Response: Institute of Directors

A spokesman for the Institute of Directors told ePolitix.com: "Ultimately we would like to see agreements reached between employers and employees before the games kick-off.

"It should not be too difficult for arrangements to be made that will allow those who want to watch the England matches to do so provide they make up the time at a later date.

"Simply taking the time off without authorisation is unacceptable and should be treated in the same way as any other breach of contract."