Majority of workers not taking additional time off around bank holidays

A new survey has revealed that the majority of UK workers aren’t maximising their leave by taking additional time off around the May bank holidays.

According to the CV-Library of 2,300 UK employees, 76.4% won’t be taking extra leave and the reasons given for this are that they:

• Are happy with the three Mondays off and want to save their remaining holiday (cited by 35.1%)
• Don’t get paid for additional time off (31.7%)
• Didn’t realise the opportunity to maximise their time off work (9.3%)
• Are too busy at work to take any more time off in May (8.9%)
• Don’t have enough spare holiday to use (7.7%)
• Are already covering other people who have taken the time off at work (7.3%).

Of those who are choosing to maximise their leave in May, the reasons given were so that they could:

• Spend time with family and friends (cited by 48.7%)
• Be a part of the Coronation celebrations (20.2%)
• Just have more of a break from work (18.5%)

Over 10% said they had taken more time off so that they could protect their mental health and 2.3% admitted they felt it was necessary due to being on the brink of burnout.

Lee Biggins, Founder and CEO of CV-Library, said, “These results may come as a surprise but during challenging economic times, finding balance becomes paramount.

“It’s not surprising that so many people are keen to spread their breaks across the year, both to safeguard their livelihood and to protect their mental health and avoid burnout.”

To find out more about contracting please contact Amelia on 01206 591 000 or email amelia.bowlez@contractorumbrella.com.