BUSINESS bosses are optimistic trade will not take a hit during England’s vital World Cup face-off with Slovenia this week.

Friday night’s tepid 0-0 draw with Algeria means England need a win on Wednesday afternoon to be certain of playing in the knock-out rounds.

But, despite a 3pm kick-off, business leaders are confident that East Lancashire’s economy will not be affected by mass absenteeism or empty shopping streets.

And many businesses are even set to benefit from World Cup fever.

Burnley Chamber of Trade president George Heys, who runs a butchers in Lyndhurst Road, said: “I don’t think people will be dodging work or anything like that.

“I am sure people who want to watch the game will have it sorted with their employers.

“That way, businesses will have measures in place to offset any impact of having fewer workers in.”

Some firms have already announced they will be broadcasting the match, including services firm Capita, which employs 1,000 people in Blackburn, and communications company Daisy, based on the Lomeshaye industrial estate in Nelson.

Mr Heys said his family-run business had profited from the World Cup and he had resorted to a lottery system to ensure the shop remained staffed on Wednesday afternoon.

He said: “We have been so busy on the days leading up to the first two England games with people rushing in to buy supplies for barbecues - it has been a real boost.

“There are six of us here so we have pulled names out of a hat to see who is working on Wednesday.

"Unfortunately, I have drawn the short straw.”

Clitheroe Chamber of Trade executive committee member Nigel Pratt, of Clitheroe Travel, in Church Street, said he did not foresee businesses in the town suffering on Wednesday.

He said: “For us, Wednesday will be a normal working day because I have had no staff requesting it off.

“However, I would have thought that if there’s a business with a workforce who are all desperate to watch the game, they should put measures in place for it.

“Even if Clitheroe is a bit quieter on Wednesday, at least our pubs with TVs will do really well from the game.”

Mike Damms, chief executive of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Although there are those like bus drivers and nurses who will simply have to work, most people will be able to work round the game if they want to watch it.

“I don’t think it will be a huge disruption to business.”

Business Link Northwest said bosses had to consider issues such as absenteeism and complying with TV licensing law.

Adviser Robert Maccabe said firms needed a licence if they were planning to allow staff to watch the game at work.

He added: “It is important to make allowances for national sporting events like the World Cup, and work with staff to come to suitable arrangements, but businesses must be aware of the necessary rules making plans.

“Our guides offer some simple tips to ensure businesses comply with various rules, minimise disruption and allow staff to embrace the World Cup.”