Britons could be taking more time off work, survey finds

British people in paid employment are failing to take advantage of their full entitlement to time off work, according to research commissioned by VisitBritain.

The survey found that, on average, British workers forego or carry forward seven days' annual leave each year.

VisitBritain pointed out that the domestic tourism industry would benefit from an additional £5.1 billion worth of annual spending if employees used this spare time to take a three-day break in the UK.

Forty per cent of respondents said they have missed out on holiday time because they have been too busy at work, while 15 per cent simply couldn't afford to go away.

Bernard Donoghue, co-chair of the British Tourism Week executive council, said: "The research shows that in total a staggering one in five British workers do not take their full holiday entitlement.

"Taking a holiday is good for the British economy, your health and a decent work-life balance."

British Tourism Week will run from March 15th to 21st and will feature events including the Best of Britain and Ireland show at the Olympia in London on March 19th and 20th.

Posted by Kate, 12 March 2010 13:23

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