Research reveals 86% of tradespeople face limited time with loved ones this festive season due to work

Work demands will impact the opportunity for 86% of tradespeople to spend time with friends and family this festive season according to new research from Direct Line business insurance.

While late December is traditionally a time for family and relaxation, it’s a hectic time for many tradespeople, with more than a quarter (29%) reporting they will not be able to see their loved ones at all during this time due to work commitments. A further 37% will not be able to spend as much time with loved ones as they would have liked and 19% know work will impact their time off but are trying to limit this as much as possible.

Mark Summerville, product manager at Direct Line business insurance, commented: “Tradespeople consistently go above and beyond to support their clients, and this dedication is especially evident during the festive season. Many are working overtime and sacrificing time with loved ones to ‘save Christmas’ for countless households and businesses by ensuring projects are completed on time.”

Despite 87% of tradespeople working during the festive period, just half (50%) will charge an increased rate. As well as many working over the festive period, four in five (82%) tradespeople will also be working overtime in early December to ensure projects are completed on time, with 73% also considering working weekends. One in seven (15%) of tradies started working overtime earlier in the year to reduce the urgency to finish jobs in December.

Reasons for working overtime range from pressure from clients to complete jobs ahead of the festive period (36%), wanting to finish all work before taking a well-earned break (34%), and an opportunity to earn extra income (30%).

Table 1: Reasons tradespeople plan to work overtime ahead of the festive period

                Source: Direct Line business insurance: 2024