46% of Brits work throughout the Christmas holidays

Traditionally Christmas is a season to eat, drink and spend less time in the office, however, the latest Monster survey finds that nearly half of British workers are in fact toiling through the Christmas period. The latest Monster poll results found that 46% of UK employees will work during the festive season.

The Monster Meter asked, ìDo you have to work during your Christmas holidays?

40% (683 votes) - Yes I have to work over Christmas
29% (496 votes) - No my company closes for Christmas
25% (435 votes) - No I can take the days at Christmas as leave
6% (102 votes) - Yes but Iím able to leave early during Christmas

In December 2005, the BBC estimated that 700,000 Britons would be at work on Christmas day and almost one million on Boxing day. An IRS survey in October 2006 found that compared to past years more businesses than ever will close from Christmas eve to 2nd January. Monsterís survey however, finds that throughout the festive period almost 27.8 million Brits will be heading off to work.

Some industries and professions require staff to work through the festive period,î commented Alan Townsend, COO, Monster UK and Ireland. ìHowever, the introduction of homeworking and better communications has reduced the need to travel into work during this period. Employers have to do a tremendous amount now to balance their needs with that of their employees to ensure they attract and retain the best people. Work life balance is increasingly becoming a more important part of the job requirement for job seekers

Monsterís job seekers share their experiences of working at Christmas:

Andrew Simpson, 30 works for an investment bank in London; As December is our financial year end, we are always incredibly busy over Christmas. I go up to Scotland to visit my family for Christmas day but I have to get back to work two days later.

Rose Opara, 50 is a nurse in a large Birmingham hospital; I work in AandE so Christmas can be our busiest time with all the alcohol-related incidents. My family and I like to go to Church and celebrate a traditional Christmas, so it can be difficult. This year Iím unlucky and will be at work on Christmas day, so I will celebrate on Boxing day instead.

Anum Rashid, 35 works in TV news production in Manchester; I love my job, but the news doesnít stop for public holidays! My family doesnít celebrate Christmas, so itís not too much of a problem for me but it would be nice to be relaxing like some of my friends.