• 58 per cent of tradespeople will take call outs on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day
• Almost half (47 per cent) will work at their usual rates, as opposed to increasing them over the key festive dates
• A third of tradespeople (33 per cent) believe work will impact their ability to spend time with friends and family this festive season
• Over a quarter (27 per cent) of all ill health in the construction sector is due to stress, depression, and anxiety

The majority of tradespeople (58 per cent) will be taking callouts this year on key festive dates including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, according to new research from Direct Line business insurance.¹ Tradespeople will be on-hand to help customers during the holiday period regardless of festivities.

More than a quarter (29 per cent) are planning to work more than usual this year over the festive season. Tradespeople that are taking callouts over key festive dates are mindful of affordability challenges for customers as cost-of-living pressures continue, as nearly half (47 per cent) will work at their usual rates instead of increasing them.

A third of tradespeople (33 per cent) believe work will affect their ability to spend time with friends and family this holiday season, although only 17 per cent say this is due to needing to work as a result of the rising cost-of-living crisis. This shows tradespeople’s commitment to the job and being there for customers throughout the festive period. Additional reasons for working throughout the season include earning money to afford presents and celebrations (12 per cent), covering staff absences (10 per cent), and completing jobs already booked in (seven per cent). While a quarter (27 per cent) will only take jobs that are either quick and simple or close to their homes, overworking is still a concern.

Working excessively can take a toll on tradespeople’s mental health. Research from Health & Safety Executive (HSE) on the UK construction industry reveals over a quarter (27 per cent) of all ill health in the construction sector is due to stress, depression and anxiety.²

Alison Traboulsi, Product Manager at Direct Line business insurance commented:

“Tradespeople are showing ongoing commitment to their jobs, as the majority will continue to work throughout the holiday season, notably over Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. As the cost-of-living increases and people are understandably more cautious about where they put their money, it is encouraging to see many tradespeople are mindful of people’s spending abilities with many not increasing their rates.

“The expectation that there will be work available over the festive period is testament to how important trade-based skills are to our economy, despite tough market conditions. Unfortunately, though, overworking can lead to mental health issues such as stress and anxiety. While most tradespeople will be able to balance working and spending time with family, we hope they are truly able to unwind and take a well-earned break.”

-ENDS-

(1) Opinium survey of 250 tradespeople in the UK, conducted 9^th-14^th November 2022

(2) HSE: Construction statistics in Great Britain, 2022 (annual statistics – data up to March 2022)

Direct Line Group

Unni Henry

PR Manager

Email: [email protected]

About Direct Line business insurance

Launched in 2007 Direct Line business insurance now has over half a million customer policies, providing a flexible range of insurance products for the landlord, van and small business sectors.

Direct Line business insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line business insurance and U K Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line business insurance products or get a quote by calling 0345 301 4827 or visiting https://www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk