Tradespeople are owed 3.5BILLION in late payments – putting Christmas at risk for millions of hard-working Brits [Video]

TRADESPEOPLE are owed billions of pounds in late payments across the UK, shocking new research shows.

Transit van maker Ford found Britain’s army of grafters are cancelling Christmas this year due to customers failing to pay up.

The Blue Oval automaker, which surveyed more than 500 tradesfolk and 1,000 UK homeowners, found they are owed an estimated £3.5billion.

Almost two-thirds of tradespeople experience late payments regularly with an average delay of 35 days.

The vehicle manufacturer’s report also reveals tradespeople are an average of £3,942 out of pocket – equivalent to more than a month’s earnings for a typical tradesperson.

And a fifth pulled the plug on family celebrations or cut back on gifts for loved …