WORKERS in York are heading for a footballing flop this summer, after a number of big employers said they would not be giving staff time off to watch the World Cup.

Different time zones in Japan and South Korea mean most games are kicking off as York starts work - or sits down for breakfast.

Others, such as England v Argentina, have lunchtime kick-offs, at 12.30pm.

A concerned Middlesbrough and England fan, who works for a major York company, said: "There are no plans to give us any time here. I think it's a bit harsh, they could put the radio on.

"I'm worried. England are in the World Cup and there is a chance I might not see all their games."

Norwich Union spokesman Bob Pell said the company had no special World Cup plans.

He said: "We are aiming for it to be business as usual. There might be some flexibility within teams and their individual managers, but the emphasis is definitely on business as usual."

Asked if the company feared a surge in the number of "sickies", Mr Pell said: "I think our staff take pride in what they do and don't think it is their way to throw sickies."

Paul Kirkwood, Nestl spokesman, said: "As far as we are concerned, it is a normal working day, and if people want to take time off, it is up to them. We do have the shift system so some people might be at home when games are on, but staff working office hours will be expected to work those hours as normal."

Bosses at Holgate-based Card Protection Plan are getting into the World Cup swing - though staff will not be given time specifically for watching games.

Marketing manager Rob Miatt said: "Outbound calls will stop and there will be televisions showing games in rest areas. We are also planning World Cup fundraising events, a raffle, sweepstake and fancy dress. All the money raised will go to local charities, and one of the raffle prizes is for an employee to come off-line and watch a game of their choice."

England's group game against Sweden is to be played on a Sunday, June 2, but their last game, against Nigeria, has a 7.30am kick-off on Wednesday, June 12. The Republic of Ireland's big clash with Germany is due to start at 12.30pm on Wednesday, June 5.

Updated: 11:29 Friday, May 03, 2002