’Tis the season to work overtime

• 86 per cent of tradespeople say their ability to spend time with friends and family will be impacted by work this festive season
• More than a quarter will be unable to see their loved ones 
• Clients putting added pressure to complete jobs ahead of Christmas is the top reason for working overtime 

Work demands will impact the opportunity for 86 per cent of tradespeople to spend time with friends and family this festive season according to new research from Direct Line business insurance1.

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 per cent) reporting they will not be able to see their loved ones at all during this time due to work commitments. A further 37 per cent will not be able to spend as much time with loved ones as they would have liked and 19 per cent know work will impact their time off but are trying to limit this as much as possible. 

Despite 87 per cent of tradespeople working during the festive period, just half (50 per cent) will charge an increased rate.  As well as many working over the festive period, four in five (82 per cent) tradespeople will also be working overtime in early December to ensure projects are completed on time, with 73 per cent also considering working weekends. One in seven (15 per cent) 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 per cent), wanting to finish all work before taking a well-earned break (34 per cent), and an opportunity to earn extra income (30 per cent).  

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

Source: Direct Line business insurance: 2024

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.” 

– ENDS–

Notes to editors

1. The research was conducted by Censuswide, amongst a sample of 500 UK Tradespeople (aged 16+) between 12th November to 14th November 2024. Respondents’ demographic profile determined by natural fall out as there is no reliable data available to represent the national population. All data based on this survey unless otherwise stated. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council.  

For further information please contact:   

Direct Line Group   

Unni Henry   

PR Manager  

Email: unni.henry@directlinegroup.co.uk   

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