Who is the fittest tradie in the UK ?

• The average tradesperson completes 27 hours of physical activity a week, 22 hours at work each week, and five hours in their own time
• Roofers (23 hours), Carpenters (22 hours) and Plumbers (22 hours) have the most physically active jobs
• Kitchen fitters (6.33 hours), Tilers (5.89 hours) and Plasters (5.86 hours) are the most physically active outside of work

New research¹ from Direct Line business insurance reveals tradespeople are among the nation’s fittest workers as they average 27 hours a week of physical activity, 11 times the NHS’ minimum recommendation of two and a half hours exercise².

It’s no secret that a tradesperson’s job is more physically demanding than the average desk job, with these skilled professionals keeping physically active for 22 hours per week at work. In addition, tradespeople are keeping fit outside of work, with an additional five hours of physical activity completed per week on average at the gym and through sport.

The majority of tradespeople polled felt positive about their health, with 76 per cent claiming to lead healthy lives and 87 per cent agreeing that they are very physically active. Almost three quarters (71 per cent) of tradespeople say they actively track their physical activity and calories burnt using fitness trackers to understand what they may need to eat to ensure energy levels are maintained.

Because of the physical exertion involved in the job, more than a quarter (29 per cent) of tradespeople say they regularly eat more than the average recommended daily calorie allowance, to ensure they are properly fuelled for the demands of their jobs.

When it comes to the most physically demanding jobs, Roofers (23 hours), Carpenters (22 hours) and Plumbers (22 hours) clock up the most hours of work-related physical activity per week. Kitchen fitters (6.33 hours), Tilers (5.89 hours) and Plasterers (5.86 hours) averaged the most additional hours of physical activity per week. Despite their already active schedules, all tradespeople completed more than four hours of additional physical activity per week, highlighting that many tradespeople are health conscious.

Hours of physical activity and additional activity per week by trade:

Source: Direct Line business insurance

Alison Traboulsi, SME Product Manager at Direct Line Business insurance commented: “Tradespeople do not need to seek inspiration from footballers in Germany or athletes in Paris to get active. They are setting a great example for us all by being active outside of work despite the physically demanding nature of their jobs. It is also encouraging to see that two thirds (64 per cent) of tradespeople prioritise their mental health as the two go hand in hand.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. Opinium survey of 500 UK tradespeople in the UK between 28^th May 2024 – 31^st May 2024. Opinium Research is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.

² NHS minimum hours of exercise: Physical activity guidelines for adults aged 19 to 64 - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

 

For further information please contact:

Email: [email protected]

 

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.