Over 100,000 workers set to work on Christmas Day in the North West, TUC analysis reveals

As many workplaces prepare to shut down for the Christmas break, the TUC is urging everyone to spare a thought for the tens of thousands of people who will be working in the North West this Christmas Day.

The TUC estimates – based on official statistics – that the number of employees who will work on Friday 25 December in the North West is likely to exceed 100,000 this year – an increase of 4,000 over the last three years.

This means that one in 32 people in the North West are likely to be on duty on Friday, compared to one in 47 in London.

Across the UK over 900,000 employees are due to work on Christmas Day.

Care workers (168,000) and medical staff (152,000) account for a big share of those working on Friday 25 December. In what is likely to be a busy festive period for the NHS, 89,000 nurses, 46,000 nursing assistants and 17,000 doctors will all be on duty.

And 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. And 15,000 farm workers will be making sure that animals and crops are being looked after.

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

TUC Regional Secretary Lynn Collins 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 in the North West 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 all those who keep the services we rely upon running during the Christmas break.”