Santa Claus could be left with bad debt - and not just a bad back - if he falls down the chimney this Christmas.

According to Simon Burgess, managing director of payment protection provider British Insurance, the seasonal nature of Mr Claus' profession means he would find it difficult to obtain insurance against being unable to meet his mortgage repayments.

The news could be of particular interest to seasonal workers - such as Santa impersonators or temporary sales staff.

Should such employees find themselves unable to work, secured loans could be an alternative means of obtaining funds this festive season.

"This is very much the tip of the iceberg as there are whole swathes of our society left exposed without insurance cover because of their employment situation," Mr Burgess explains.

He adds that this includes "those on short-term contracts, working for temporary employment agencies and - especially pertinent at this time of year - Santa and his helpers".

Legal practice Pinsent Masons recently warned that Mr Claus could also face accusations of breaching the Data Protection Act and not operating a suitable refunds policy for the toys he delivers each year.

The jolly icon may well find secured loans useful if his legal costs begin to mount in defending such claims.ADNFCR-1287-ID-18393516-ADNFCR

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