London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Tuesday, Sep 29, 2026

Britain's 'best boss' gives workers the Monday off after historic England final

Britain's 'best boss' gives workers the Monday off after historic England final

Chris Donnelly, 30, has told his 65 members of staff at Verb Brands not to go to work after the historic match against Italy, regardless of the result. He was declared Britain's Best Boss in April

Britain's 'best boss' has given his staff Monday off after the government refused to promise a last-minute Bank Holiday if England win Euro 2020.

Chris Donnelly, 30, told his 65 workers not to go to work after the historic match against Italy - regardless of the result.

The chief executive of digital marketing firm Verb Brands described the match as a "once in a lifetime opportunity" for England and he wants his employees to enjoy it.

He said: "This could be a once in a lifetime opportunity when it comes to England and I want everyone to enjoy it. Besides, this is about staff welfare.

Chris announced his decision on LinkedIn


"With all the stress of the game there will be enough to worry without the thought of work the next day too."

Chris was declared Britain's Best Boss in April when he gave everyone a day off on full pay to go to the pub as bars and shops reopened.

His England LinkedIn post generated more than 1,000 likes as he called for the government to consider an extra Bank Holiday if England win the historic match.

The England team could bring football home this weekend


Chris's post read: "I am giving everyone Monday off work.

"History is being made and it's only right that everyone gets to witness it - without having to think about work the next day.

"This is about more than just football.

"It's about spending time with our favourite people, feeling a real sense of national pride and having something genuinely brilliant to celebrate.

The England team celebrating their victory against Denmark on Tuesday


"Whether you like football or not, another day to spend with friends or family after the year we have just had is essential.

"I think other companies should follow suit and wouldn't it be amazing if the government did too!

"I hope the team enjoy their time off !!"

Boris Johnson has been tight-lipped about committing to an official public holiday in England win.

Yesterday, the Prime Minister said: “I think that would be tempting fate - let’s see what happens.”

England will face Italy on Sunday


Today, Labour Leader Keir Starmer has backed demands for a bank holiday if the Three Lions triumph over Italy.

Speaking to the Mirror, he said: "The whole country is incredibly proud of what Gareth Southgate and our England heroes have achieved already. History has been made.

"If we win on Sunday, the country should get the chance to celebrate it properly with an extra bank holiday, granted in the name of the England team.

"I’ve got a strong feeling it’s coming home."

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady added: “If England bring it home on Sunday, government should allow the country to celebrate by announcing a special bank holiday.

“But it can’t just be a one off. UK workers get fewer bank holidays than most of our European counterparts. The TUC has long called for more public holidays. So come on England!”

The Mirror understands the government is looking at the idea of a bank holiday, or day of national celebration, if England win.

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Transport for Wales and Network Rail Complete Electrification of South Wales Metro
Defra Expands Incentives for Sustainable Farming and Biodiversity in England
Northern Ireland Executive Approves Funding Package to Resolve Public Sector Pay Disputes
Universities UK Warns of Financial Insolvency Risks for Higher Education Institutions
UK Prisons Activate Emergency Protocols to Manage Capacity Pressures
UK Government Establishes New Safety Standards for Frontier AI Models
Home Office Tightens Skilled Worker Visa Requirements and Dependent Rules
Ministry of Defence Restructures Royal Navy Frigate Procurement to Prevent Overruns
UK Government Mandates New Housing Targets to Address National Shortage
UK and Scottish Governments Reach Agreement on North Sea Energy Transition
NHS Launches Digital Overhaul to Reduce Surgical Backlogs in England
Bank of England Holds Interest Rates as Service Sector Inflation Persists
UK Chancellor Announces Fiscal Consolidation Measures to Stabilize National Debt
RNLI Chief Executive Condemns Misinformation and Abuse Targeting Volunteer Crews
Metropolitan Police Charge Swindon Man with Assisting Foreign Intelligence Services
British Intelligence Report Warns Environmental Collapse Threatens Global Defense Infrastructure
Conservative Party Rejects New Taxes to Fund UK Social Care Reforms
Labour Government Signals Intent to Ease Residency Restrictions for Foreign Care Workers
Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Støre Meet to Strengthen North Atlantic Defense
UK Government Plans to Revive Equity Loan Scheme to Assist First-Time Home Buyers
Prime Minister Andy Burnham Pledges Radical Reform for UK Utilities and Social Care
UK Treasury Prepares Difficult Autumn Budget Amid High Debt and Energy Volatility
Civil Aviation Authority Launches Review of Air Traffic Systems Following Digital Failure
X Reports First Increase in UK Revenues Following Advertiser Boycott
Shetland Islands Council Approves £400 Million Inter-Island Tunnel Project
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband Warns Iran Against Hostile Activities on British Soil
UK Ministers Concede Chagos Islands Sovereignty Agreement Terminated After US Opposition
More in Common Poll Projects Hung Parliament with Labour Leading and Reform UK Gains
Prime Minister Andy Burnham Defends Economic Strategy as Public Finances Face Headwinds
Tony Blair Urges Government to Set Long-Term Goal of Rejoining the European Union
Prime Minister Andy Burnham Pledges Universal Free Social Care Funded Through General Taxation
UK Diesel and Petrol Prices Surge Near All-Time Highs Amid Middle East Energy Volatility
Analysis of Reform UK conference highlights deep political divisions over welfare and immigration
Bangladesh garment exports to the United Kingdom reach $915 million in early fiscal year
Royal Navy begins sea trials for new HMS Agamemnon hunter-killer submarine
New report suggests UK data centre expansion will create far fewer jobs than predicted
Major weekend closures announced for London Underground Piccadilly and Central lines
NHS leaders call for emergency winter funding to combat staffing shortages and rising illness
Far-right activist Daniel Thomas charged following alleged slashing of migrant dinghy
Home Secretary orders urgent review of border security following rise in small boat crossings
Prime Minister Andy Burnham to address Labour Party conference amid calls for long-term infrastructure plan
UK Treasury and Bank of England warn of rising inflation risks amid Middle East tensions
Royal Navy Diving Squadron Honoured for Global Bomb Disposal Efforts
UK State Pension Set to Approach £13,000 Per Year Under Triple-Lock
Rolls-Royce Wins Multi-Million-Pound Engine Contract with Philippine Airlines
TfL Questions Future of Heathrow Express Amid Proposed £33 Billion Expansion
Ed Miliband Warns Iran Against Hostile Operations on British Soil
S&P Global Manufacturing Index Signals Stabilization Amid Rising Fuel Costs
Prime Minister Andy Burnham Launches National Centre for Information Defence
UK Food and Drink Trade Deficit Surges to £21.1 Billion
×