As the hospitality industry gears up for its busiest season, Licensed Trade Charity (LTC) is reminding pub workers, bar staff, managers, and the wider licensed trade community to prioritise their wellbeing.
The run-up to Christmas is filled with energy and opportunity, but it also brings a unique set of pressures. Seasonal demand means long shifts, reduced downtime, and financial stress, all compounded by darker days and colder nights. It’s a time when resilience matters most.
A Clear Signal: Rising Calls for Support
LTC data shows just how much winter impacts our sector. In Q4 2024, calls to our free helpline rose by 75% compared to Q3. October alone saw a 43% month-on-month increase in people reaching out for advice, guidance, and support.
This sharp rise reflects the “perfect storm” that many in hospitality face:
- Longer hours and heavier workloads
- Pressure to deliver at the busiest time of year
- Financial worries from rising living costs
- Less daylight and energy, affecting mood and motivation
As Joby Mortimer, Director of Charity Operations at LTC, explains:
“While the countdown to Christmas is exciting, this is a busy time of year in people’s work and personal lives. Calls to our helpline reveal the toll that this takes, causing a myriad of problems including stress, anxiety, withdrawal, burnout, and even long-term trauma.”
These words underline the reality behind the numbers: the festive season is a time of joy for many, but for those working at the frontline of hospitality, the pressure can be overwhelming without the right support.
Staying Winter Ready
That’s why our Winter Ready campaign is focused on resilience and readiness. We want everyone in hospitality to know that support is available; practical, emotional, and financial.
Here’s how we can help:
- Free Helpline (24/7) – A confidential space to talk through any concern, big or small.
- Wellbeing Platform – Expert resources, including guides, playlists, and interactive tools for self-care and stress management.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – Tailored support for employers looking to strengthen wellbeing in their teams.
As Joby also highlights: “Equipping your teams with the tools they need to manage stress and pressure isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s also smart business sense.”
By investing in wellbeing, employers not only support their people but also reduce the risks of absenteeism, staff turnover, and burnout – critical factors at the busiest time of the year. These services are free and designed for anyone in the licensed trade community, past and present. We also extend support to family members, because when one person is struggling, it affects the whole household.
A Call to Action for the Sector
This winter, we’re encouraging both individuals and employers to take proactive steps:
- Check in on your wellbeing – Prioritise rest, nutrition, and moments of recovery.
- Look out for your team – Recognise signs of fatigue, stress, or anxiety.
- Use the support available – Don’t wait until things feel overwhelming to reach out.
Hospitality is built on resilience, teamwork, and community spirit. By looking after ourselves and each other, we can make it through the season stronger.
Need support today?
Call our free, confidential helpline on 0808 801 0550.
