Approximately four in ten Brits forgo over a week’s holiday each year, resulting in £6.6 billion of unused leave.
- Young workers, particularly those aged 18 to 24 and remote employees, often prioritize work commitments over taking breaks.
- Many full-time UK employees choose not to use their full holiday entitlement, citing personal choice, workload, and poor planning as factors.
- A significant number of employees, 23%, opt to sell their untaken holidays back, totaling £3.7 billion annually.
- Research suggests that over half of Brits feel guilty when taking leave, with some continuing to work during their breaks.
In the United Kingdom, a significant portion of the workforce is missing out on their full holiday entitlement. Research indicates that around 41% of full-time workers leave at least five days of holiday unused every year. This translates to an estimated £6.6 billion worth of vacation that is effectively surrendered by employees each year.
The trend is particularly noticeable among younger employees, especially those aged 18 to 24, and individuals working remotely. These groups are more inclined to sacrifice their vacation days, often citing the need to meet work commitments as a key reason.
There are various reasons behind this trend. Some workers simply feel that they do not need a break, while others struggle with heavy workloads or face staff shortages that make taking time off difficult. Poor planning is another factor that contributes to unused leave, as employees may not adequately schedule their holidays throughout the year.
Interestingly, many employees choose to sell their unused holidays back to their employers. Approximately 23% of eligible employees engage in this practice, selling back five or six days of unused leave. This practice equates to £3.7 billion worth of holidays being sold annually.
Despite the availability of leave, taking time off can be a source of stress for many. More than half of the employees feel a sense of guilt when they finally decide to take a break. Additionally, a considerable number of them, over a quarter, tend to work extra hours to make up for the time taken off, and frequently think about work responsibilities even when officially off duty.
Psychology and neuroscience expert Ruth Kudzi emphasizes the importance of setting clear boundaries to enjoy a stress-free holiday. She advises that employees should establish handover documents before going on leave and mentally disconnect from work by engaging in activities like nature walks, meditation, or yoga to lower stress levels.
This issue is gaining attention at the legislative level as well. The UK Government is contemplating introducing a legal ‘right to disconnect,’ similar to laws already enacted in countries such as France and Italy, which would prevent employers from contacting staff outside of work hours.
The trend of unused annual leave highlights a need for cultural and legislative changes to ensure employees can fully benefit from their entitled breaks without guilt or pressure.
