Over three quarters of UK tradespeople are expected to be working just as much, or more than they usually would, during the 2022 World Cup between 20 November and 18 December, according to new research from Direct Line business insurance.
The increased cost-of-living is impacting tradespeople’s ability to take time off to follow the competition, 64% 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, 30% say they are doing so to afford what they need during the festive period and 19% 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 are set to keep up with games while working by listening to the radio and 34% are set to watch on their phones while on a job. Some are expected catch up on matches afterwards as 31% plan to record games and a quarter are set to adjust their work schedules to fit in the games they want to watch.
To work less during the tournament, 14% of tradespeople are set to take annual leave, while 10% are even willing to take unpaid leave so they can watch matches. Over two-in-five are willing to lose up to £99 through lost work during the tournament, with a quarter happy to lose between £100 – £199 and 23% willing to lose between £200 – £500.
Alison Traboulsi, product manager at Direct Line, said: “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 plan to follow the World Cup, we’re hopeful workers will be able to unwind and follow their team where they can.”