Some Bradford business bosses have installed big screen televisions in the workplace to allow employees to watch England’s crucial World Cup match against Slovenia.

Christians Against Poverty (CAP), a charity which employs 150 people at its headquarters in Bradford city centre, is giving its staff big screens and an open invite to forget the telephones for the duration of England’s likely must-win final group match, which kicks off at 3pm next Wednesday.

Employees are encouraged to wear England’s red and white colours, paint their faces and bring a bottle. Management are even supplying sofas and nibbles.

Ellie Gage, head of human resources for CAP, said: “We’re aware that loads of people who work here will be somewhat distracted from 3pm that day.

“Our staff work really hard with our clients’ demanding situations, so we’re more than happy to offer them a chance to let their hair down and enjoy the match.

“We’ve suggested a flexi-time option so people can make up the hours. This way, everyone’s a winner – hopefully even England.”

Sandy Needham, chief executive of Bradford Chamber of Commerce, said she was aware that many companies were making arrangements to allow staff to watch England’s match against Slovenia.

She said: “That’s the only England game that really impinges on company work time, so some companies are arranging to show that or let people go early and make up the time.”

Meanwhile, there’s good news for those who are looking to escape the football.

Escapetheworldcup.com has been set up in association with English Heritage to give football widows, and anyone else who have had enough of the World Cup, a two-for-one ticket offer on attractions in Yorkshire.

Nicola Bexon, English Heritage’s regional marketing manager for the North, said: “We’ve decided to make all of our Yorkshire sites football-free zones, and our two-for-one vouchers mean people can have a great day out with a friend without it costing the earth.”