And thankfully, insurance brokers don’t top the list from a recent survey of scary professionals. Just.

The newly dubbed “Gordon Ramsey effect” is being blamed for the fact that customers are most nervous around chefs, waiting staff and bartenders, according to a survey published by Fletchers Solicitors. Luckily for them, their own profession comes fourth down the list of most liked professionals, after those in healthcare (73%), education (69%) and emergency services (64%).

But it seems we’re willing to brave our fears of ordering food and drinks, as Visa’s consumer spending index shows sales in bars, hotels and restaurants are up 6% – thanks in part to the weak pound which is making staycations a favourable holiday option.

“The leisure sector is likely to have benefited from an early surge in summer staycations, as the weak pound made holidaying at home more attractive,” said Kevin Jenkins, Visa’s UK and Ireland managing director.

Financial services including accountants and bookkeepers were only 4% behind hospitality at 64%, followed by in demand trades including electricians and plumbers at 59%.

Alex Kenny, marketing director at Fletchers Solicitors, said: “It’s surprising to see that such a customer-facing profession such as the hospitality trade is the most feared amongst the British public. Perhaps those who work in industries that provide care and support such as health and education could teach others how to improve their delivery and customer handling skills. We regularly see the likes of Gordon Ramsay and his fiery temper on television programmes and it seems it is indicative of a wider trend across the industry.

“When selling a product or service there must be a general level of approachability between provider and client and the customer should feel at ease, whether at a restaurant dining table or providing customer services. An anxious or stressed client can also lead to miscommunications and even in some cases problems such as medical negligence.”

UK’s Most Feared Professions

1. Hospitality (chefs, waiting staff, bartenders) – 68%
2. Financial services (accountants, bookkeepers, traders) – 64%
3. Trades (construction, electrical, plumbing) – 59%
4. IT & Telecommunications (call centre workers) – 55%
5. Transport (rail workers, airline staff) – 53%

UK’s Most Liked Professions

1. Healthcare (doctors, nurses) – 73%
2. Education (teachers, lecturers) – 69%
3. Emergency services (police, fire service) – 64%
4. Legal (lawyers, barristers) – 62%
5. Marketing – 60%

The team at Lockyers are a friendly, approachable bunch. Please don’t be scared to get in touch with any questions you have about your insurance. Contrary to these survey results, we don’t bite!