The singer’s announcement is said to have catalysed hundreds of requests made to the Employer Advice Service of Manchester-based company

Peninsula. Employment law director Alan Price said “it was a situation you just couldn’t make up.”

“While I sympathise with One Direction fans, I hardly think this qualified as compassionate leave,” Price told the Manchester Evening News.”

“If employees feel strongly about the issue then request that they take days off as a holiday, but compassionate leave is what you allow if a close relative dies, unless the employer is unaware of family ties with Zayn Malik then I hardly think that this qualifies.”

Abusing compassionate leave is inconsiderate to fellow colleagues who may genuinely need the time off.”

One Direction currently sits on top as the most loved and famous musical group but we didn’t think a member’s exit would prompt such huge number of people asking for leave from work—somehow, affecting UK’s economy.