Are the self employed struggling to down tools this festive season?

It’s meant to be the most wonderful time of the year, but for those that are self-employed or run their own business, December can be a chaotic month. From facing rising costs, navigating staff shortages and preparing for the tax year end, on top of buying presents and social events, Christmas cheer can easily turn into Christmas jeer as exhausted Britons struggle to switch off from work and relax over the festive period.

With the January self-assessment deadline looming, new research by Intuit QuickBooks highlights the extent to which stress levels peak in the run up to Christmas for small business owners and sole traders. Indeed, one in five say the deadline has resulted in sleepless nights while the same number claim it’s taken a toll on their physical wellbeing (22% each).

As millions enjoyed Christmas festivities last year, HMRC reported more than 25,000 festive filers filled out their tax returns over the three-day Christmas period. Indeed, the research reflects that one in 10 (11%) use the period between Christmas and New Years Day to file their tax return while 23% will work on it during this downtime.

Ros spoke to Jessica Rogers, business, leadership and wellbeing coach and Pauline Green from Intuit Quickbooks.

Photo by Colin Watts on Unsplash