Football’s European Championship finals have become so bloated in the cause of generating cash that the only absentees this time round are Lanzarote and the Isle of Man.

Still, there is excitement aplenty. All the Home Nations qualified with the exception of the Scots, whose football team has sadly gone the way of Glasgow’s once-legendary cinder pitches.

A particular highlight is this Thursday’s clash between England (who’ve never won it) and Wales, who haven’t troubled a major tournament since Gentle Giant John Charles (pictured) was in his pomp.

Unfortunately, the kick-off time of 2pm on Thursday leaves legal chiefs with a dilemma about whether to eat into chargeable hours by letting staff watch it (or chaining them to their desks, where they’ll watch it anyway).

For England, of course, anti-climactic football tournaments are a biennial ritual (though we hear Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office is screening the game for anyone interested).

In Wales, however, the novelty of chasing a spherical ball for once will ensure fans are reluctant to miss a moment.

Writing for Wales Online, employment lawyer Owen John suggested firms adopt flexible working times or longer lunch breaks – although staff should be aware this won’t continue once the football has finished.

With some understatement, John adds: ‘You may be successful in deterring staff from taking any Euro 2016-related sickness absence, but this might result in an unproductive workforce following match days.’

Cardiff’s bustling legal district may be a little quieter than usual on Thursday.

Meanwhile, NewLaw chief executive Helen Molyneux tells us a screen will be set up in the firm’s Cardiff conference room so that ‘anyone who wants to support Wales can watch the game’. Obiter (who is strictly neutral, of course) advises NewLaw’s English contingent to remain seated when (and indeed if) the Welsh net ripples – or it will be back to work for you.

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