No time off for tradespeople this world cup

• Over three-quarters (77 per cent) of tradespeople will work just as much, or more than they usually would, during the World Cup
• If the cost of living hadn’t risen, almost two-thirds (64 per cent) of tradespeople would have taken more time off to watch the World Cup
• A third (30 per cent) are working more during the World Cup to afford the festive season

Over three quarters (77 per cent) of UK tradespeople will be working just as much, or more than they usually would, during the 2022 World Cup between 20^th November – 18^th December reveals new research from Direct Line business insurance.¹

The increased cost-of-living is impacting tradespeople’s ability to take time off to follow the competition. Nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) would have taken more time off to watch the World Cup if the cost-of-living had not risen by so much this year. The expense of the upcoming festive season is also influencing this decision. Of those working more during the tournament, almost a third (30 per cent) say they are doing so to afford what they need during the festive period and one in five (19 per cent) say they are doing so due to the increased cost of living.

Many tradespeople will find alternative ways to keep up with the competition’s matches this year as they continue to take on work. Nearly half (49 per cent) will keep up with games while working by listening to the radio and over a third (34 per cent) will watch on their phones while on a job. Some will catch up on matches afterwards as 31 per cent plan to record games and a quarter (25 per cent) will adjust their work schedules to fit in the games they want to watch.

For the die-hard football fans, to work less during the tournament, 14 per cent of tradespeople will take annual leave, while one-in-ten (10 per cent) are even willing to take unpaid leave so they can watch matches. Over two-in-five (44 per cent) are willing to lose up to £99 through lost work during the tournament, with a quarter (24 per cent) happy to lose between £100 – £199, 23 per cent willing to lose between £200 – £500.

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

“Tradespeople and their skills are always crucial, irrespective of the time of year and seasonal events. As the World Cup approaches, tradespeople look set to be just as busy as usual – even more so in some cases. This defies some assumptions that many will take time off work to keep up with football matches throughout the month.

“Rising bills, the cost of the festive season and the tournament being held in winter rather than summer is pushing many tradespeople to work more, despite wanting to watch the World Cup.  Almost nine in ten tradespeople, or 86 per cent, plan to follow the World Cup, we’re hopeful workers will be able to unwind and follow their team where they can.”

-ENDS-

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

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