.jpg)
.jpg)
Mental health help
Nearly seven in ten (69%) tradespeople say they experience mental health issues Trade Direct Insurance has launched a new mental health and wellbeing...
Read Full Article
Financial pressure on self-employed
Amid ongoing pressure from rising fuel and operating costs, Tempcover’s temporary business van insurance experts surveyed 500 self-employed people across the UK who rely on vans for work, including van drivers, tradespeople and mobile service providers.
The research explores the realities of working independently on the road, including how workload demands, financial pressure and work-life balance are being affected, and where support gaps remain.
-
According to the survey almost two-thirds (62%) of self-employed van users worry about covering basic business costs
-
Nearly two in three (64%) feel pressure to take on more work than is sustainable to cover costs.
-
As a result, 61% say they find it difficult to switch off from work-related stress.
-
Around two in three (66%) say self-employed van workers are overlooked when it comes to financial, operational and well-being support, with many relying on friends and family instead.
-
When asked what support would make the biggest difference, affordable vehicle maintenance or repair schemes rank top (40%), followed by fuel cost support (37%).
Costs and Financial Pressures Drive High Stress Among Van Users
The majority (91%) of self-employed van users experience stress to some extent at work, including more than one in five (21%) who report high levels of stress. Many say the reality of working alone adds to this strain, with 59% feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility of managing every aspect of their work themselves.
When asked specifically about what is driving this stress day-to-day, fuel and operating costs come out on top (26%), followed by general financial pressure (23%) and vehicle issues (17%).
Delays, Cancellations and Breakdowns Increase Pressure
For self-employed van users, delays, cancellations and vehicle breakdowns can directly disrupt scheduled jobs, impact earnings and create knock-on pressure for the rest of the day. When asked specifically about these types of disruptions, 71% say they significantly increase stress levels, highlighting the impact on day-to-day work.
Financial Pressure is Pushing Workloads Beyond Sustainable Levels
Managing day-to-day business finances is also a key concern for self-employed van users, with more than six in ten (62%) saying they are worried about covering basic expenses such as fuel, insurance and vehicle maintenance.
This financial pressure is also influencing workload decisions, with nearly two in three (64%) saying they feel pressure to take on more work than is sustainable to cover costs. As a result, the strain extends beyond working hours, with 61% saying they find it difficult to switch off from work-related stress.
The Majority of Van Users Feel Overlooked by Existing Support Structures
While pressures are widespread, many respondents feel available support, such as financial advice, business guidance and wider industry assistance, does not adequately reflect the impact of working alone with less of a safety net. Consequently, two-thirds (66%) of users say they feel overlooked.
This is also reflected across specific areas, with around one in six saying financial (16%), mental health (15%) and operational support (14%) are not adequate.
Informal Networks are the Primary Source of Support
In the absence of formal support structures that often come with traditional employment, many self-employed van users rely on personal and peer networks. Friends and family are the most commonly relied-on source of support (40%), followed by online forums or driver communities (30%), highlighting the role of informal networks in filling this gap.
Practical Support and Financial Relief Top the List of Needs
With financial pressure and uncertainty shaping day-to-day working life, self-employed van users say practical support with vehicle running costs would make the biggest difference. Affordable vehicle maintenance or repair schemes rank top (40%), followed by fuel cost support or discounts (37%).
Claire Wills-McKissick, temporary business van insurance expert at Tempcover, says: “These results highlight the pressures many self-employed van users face as they balance rising operating costs, unpredictable workloads, and the responsibility of running their work independently.
“While many are managing day-to-day, the data suggests a clear gap between the support people feel they need and how that support is accessed in practice. For many, informal networks such as friends, family, or peer communities are acting as a makeshift safety net, but it’s crucial to look towards a broader package of support when dealing with ongoing financial pressure, workload demands, and unexpected disruption.
“Our research shows many self-employed van users feel their specific challenges are being missed, so we urge van users to check they’re getting the full support available. By ensuring they have access to practical guidance and resources available through trade bodies and industry networks, solo operators can ensure they have the best possible support structure in place when it is needed most.”
Article written by John Roper
19th June 2026