MORE than a million British workers will phone in sick the day after the Euro 2004 soccer final if England are involved in the last game of the tournament, a new report claimed today.

Firms will be landed with an '81 million bill in extra costs if the predicted number of fans pull a sickie, it was estimated.

Occupational health firm Health & Case Management said 4.7 million working days could be lost over the next few weeks if England win through to the final on July 4.

Managing director Helen Merfield said people should not use sporting events as an excuse to take extra time off work.

But she added: "Employers need to carefully manage staff absence during times like this and recognise that employees will want to watch the matches and celebrate England's success." Tweet