British expat workers ‘not using full holiday quota’

Some British employees stationed abroad are not taking advantage of their full holiday entitlement and feel obliged to put in as much work as they can, according to a new survey.

A study of around 12,500 people from 24 countries carried out by Ipsos Mori and Reuters found that 77 per cent of Britons working overseas book all the holidays they are permitted, compared with 89 per cent of French expatriates.

“There are lots of reasons why people don’t use up vacation days, but most often it’s because they feel obligated to their work and put it over other, more important things,” said Ipsos senior vice-president John Wright.

He added that around two-thirds of expat workers at all levels are using up their full holiday quota, although those aged over 50 are less likely to do so than younger members of staff.

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Earlier this week, the Belfast Telegraph reported that recent research from NIjobs.com found 41 per cent of individuals quizzed did not take up all of their leave last year.

Posted by Cameron Thompson