UNIONS called on football fans to back pub staff as well as England ahead of their World Cup match against Norway today.

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak urged crowds to “remember the hard work” of hospitality workers who deserve a “great matchday too.”

The union federation added they should be paid fairly for any overtime work as pubs stay open well into the night to welcome fans watching the game.

These calls come as public-facing workers have reported a significant rise in abuse and harassment in recent years. 

Ms Nowak said: “We urge all pub goers to remember the hard work of pub staff and treat them with respect.”

From October, employers will have to take reasonable steps to protect their staff from violence, harassment and abuse.  

The “common sense” policy will mean that workers “won’t fear for their safety” when going to work, the TUC says.