A significant portion of UK workers are not utilising their full annual leave, raising concerns about workplace culture.
- In 2023, 61% of UK employees left part of their annual leave unused, equivalent to about 20 million individuals.
- Women and older workers are marginally better at using their leave compared to men and younger cohorts.
- Pressure from employers and a pervasive ‘hustle culture’ deter many from taking their entitled breaks.
- Despite financial pressures, a trend toward prioritising mental health and rest over extra income is emerging.
A significant portion of the United Kingdom’s workforce, approximately 61%, refrained from fully utilizing their annual leave entitlement in 2023. This figure translates to nearly 20 million people, illustrating a widespread cultural concern within workplaces across the nation. While there is a slight uptick from previous years where only 29% fully embraced their leave in 2022, the number increased to 31% in 2023, indicating a gradual shift.
Data suggests that certain demographics are more diligent in taking their leave. Notably, 34% of women took all of their allotted days, compared to just 29% of men. Interestingly, the age group of 45-54 showed the highest engagement, with nearly half ensuring full leave utilization. Cities such as Plymouth, Brighton, and Edinburgh also reported higher leave use, setting regional trends.
There remains a troubling element underlying these statistics, attributed to workplace pressures. A considerable number of employees reported feeling direct pressure from their employers not to fully utilise their leave. This sentiment is most prevalent among the 25-34 age group, of which 17% expressed this concern. Geographical hotspots for such pressures include Sheffield, London, and Manchester, where understaffing and overwork are common.
Financial incentives are increasingly less attractive compared to the benefits of rest, as evidenced by the declining percentage of workers choosing monetary compensation over time off. In 2023, only 12% elected to sell their leave, down from 14% the previous year. However, a gender disparity persists as 17% of men reported receiving payments for unused leave, compared to 13% of women. Younger workers, between 16-34, appear more inclined to favour financial gain over additional time.
Moreover, there has been a subtle increase in bereavement and compassionate leave, with a 7% rise noted in 2023. This reflects a growing acknowledgment of personal hardships requiring time away from work. Adoption leave usage remains low, due to lower adoption rates and awareness issues. Paternity leave saw a decline, with new fathers taking less time than the previous year, paralleled by a decrease in maternity leave duration, underscoring possible financial constraints forcing earlier returns to work.
Towards the year’s end, Mondays and Fridays emerge as favoured days for extending weekends. The period between Christmas and New Year remains a peak time for leave requests, with estimates suggesting 27th December as the most sought-after day in 2023. To avoid disappointment in 2024, early booking for end-of-year leave is advisable. Meanwhile, less crowded days in early January 2025 could provide opportunities for quieter breaks, away from the end-of-year hustle.
Examining these trends reveals significant insights into how workplace culture and personal priorities affect leave utilisation in the UK.
