Boss lets his plumbers have an England lie-in

Darren Powell, pictured with wife Rachel Powell, wants staff 'not to worry about work' and enjoy the game

If you have a leaking tap or blocked loo in Shropshire on Monday morning, it is just possible you may have to wait longer than usual to get it fixed.

That's because one plumbing company is letting its employees have a late start, so they can fully enjoy England's Euro 2024 final on Sunday without worrying about getting up for shifts the next day.

Work at D Powell Plumbing and Heating Ltd in Oswestry normally begins at 07:00 BST, meaning some pre-arranged Monday appointments have already been pushed back - a move said to have "shocked" some customers.

But the late start is "definitely worth it if England win", according to director Darren Powell, whose generosity only extends to 10:00, when staff must show up, spanners and plungers in hand.

Mr Powell said he had allowed employees to finish early for England games before, but this was the first time he had delayed the start of the working day.

He told BBC Radio Shropshire: "All the lads want to go to the pub and enjoy themselves.

"We've got three Welsh lads who aren't interested one bit, but the rest are England through and through."

As for those "shocked" customers, they were grateful they were informed beforehand, Mr Powell said.

He added of the workforce: "We do try to look after our team. It will save the phone calls of 'I'm not coming in'. [This way] they can have a bit of a lie in.

"I just want them to enjoy themselves and not worry too much about work.

"I think this is the first time in many people's lifetimes that we're actually going to see England win and bring the trophy home."

Sam Hufton, managing director of Pull the Pin, is also giving staff time off

Meanwhile in Birmingham, the owner of a digital marketing agency is also giving employees a more "flexible" working day.

Staff usually begin their shifts from 07:30 - but Sam Hufton, managing director of Pull the Pin, will be letting them log on from 13:00.

He said: "I try to give a much flexibility as I can as I find I get better results from my employees.

"I want them to enjoy Sunday and not have it hanging over their head that they have to be in the office the next morning.

"Hopefully everyone will be in good spirits if England win - it's going to be a tough game but we're all excited."