Member Article

More North East staff to work on Christmas Day than any other region

With over 900,000 employees due to work on Christmas Day, those in the North East are more likely to be in work than any other region in the UK.

According to analysis conducted by the Trade Union Congress (TUC), official figures estimate that one in 28 (42,000) workers in the region will be on duty. By contrast, in London this number falls to one in 47.

TUC Regional Secretary Beth Farhat said: “Christmas Day is a special day that millions of us spend with our nearest and dearest.

“So we should all spare a thought for the people who this Friday will be hard at work while we’re opening our presents, tucking into the turkey and relaxing with our families.

“Many on duty on the 25th will be on low pay, especially in sectors like hospitality and social care. Let’s stop and remember those who keep the services we rely upon in the North East running during the Christmas break.”

In what is likely to be a busy festive period for the NHS, care workers (168,000) and medical staff (152,000) are the most likely to be working, whilst 89,000 nurses, 46,000 nursing assistants and 17,000 doctors will all be on duty.

As expected, a large army of chefs (42,000), kitchen assistants (22,000), waiting (15,000) and bar staff (13,000) will be working in hotels, pubs and restaurants.

In addition, 22,000 police officers and 28,000 security guards will be at work as well as 15,000 farm workers will be making sure that animals and livestock are being looked after.

Christmas Day services will also see 20,000 members of the clergy kept busy.

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