For many UK workers, Christmas is not defined by time off, family gatherings, or festive routines. Instead, it is marked by responsibility, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to others. This reality has been brought into sharp focus through the story of Sarah Alcock, a NHS neonatal nurse whose dedication has quietly shaped countless Christmas Days spent away from home.
Sarah Alcock, 35, from Oakwood in Derby, works in the emergency neonatal ward at Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham. Over the years, she has consistently volunteered to work during the festive period, stepping in to support colleagues and care for some of the most vulnerable babies in the country. This Christmas carries particular significance. Her daughter, now eight months old, was born at just 25 weeks weighing only 1lb 12oz, and will be celebrating her first Christmas at home.
Despite this deeply personal milestone, Sarah once again offered her services, placing the needs of fragile newborns and overstretched colleagues ahead of her own family celebrations. Her husband, Dave, who nominated her for recognition, described her simply as a “hero”, noting that the demands of her work do not pause for public holidays or family occasions.
In recognition of her sacrifice, Sarah was surprised with a complimentary family getaway, awarded by easyJet Holidays. The gesture formed part of a wider initiative acknowledging UK workers who routinely give up time with loved ones during the festive season in order to keep essential services running.
The award was underpinned by new research highlighting the scale of Christmas work across the UK. Findings indicate that the equivalent of 10 million people, around 15% of all UK adults, will spend time away from family this Christmas due to work commitments. For many, this absence is not occasional but recurring, forming a regular and often unspoken part of working life.
Sarah was not alone in receiving recognition. NHS nurse Nicky Starkowitz, 46, and care home manager Niccii Gillett, 41, from Bisley, were also awarded surprise holidays in acknowledgement of their dedication. Each story reflects the quiet perseverance seen across healthcare and care settings nationwide, particularly during periods traditionally associated with rest and family time.
For Nicky Starkowitz, the past year has been marked by profound personal challenges. In March, her four-year-old son Raffi was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain cancer. Just months later, in August, Nicky herself received a breast cancer diagnosis. Despite these hardships, she continued working, balancing professional responsibility with personal adversity.
Her husband, Neil, explained that the family had not managed to spend time away together during the year, underlining how work and circumstance can combine to limit opportunities for rest, even during the most difficult periods of life.
Further survey data paints a broader picture of the pressures faced by UK workers. A nationwide poll of 2,000 adults revealed that 28% of those who sacrifice time with family feel they have not enjoyed a genuine holiday this year. Among parents, 42% reported missing Christmas Day on multiple occasions, while 22% said they had little or no choice but to work throughout the festive period.
These figures reinforce a reality well understood by The Workers Union: that many working people continue to shoulder responsibility quietly, often without expectation of recognition. Whether in hospitals, care homes, transport, retail, or emergency services, the festive season depends heavily on those who continue working while others step away.
The initiative awarding these surprise breaks was described as a way of offering genuine rest and time together, whether through travel, reflection, or simply being present with family. It reflects a growing awareness of the importance of recognising commitment, particularly at times when emotional and physical demands are heightened.
For UK workers, stories like Sarah Alcock’s resonate far beyond individual recognition. They speak to a collective experience of dedication, resilience, and service. As the festive season approaches, they serve as a reminder that Christmas continues to function because millions of working people place responsibility above routine tradition.
The Workers Union continues to highlight and support the lived experiences of working people across the UK, ensuring that dedication, sacrifice, and contribution are not overlooked, particularly at times of national significance such as Christmas.
