UK and Ireland Workers Receive Least Annual Leave in EU

UK and Irish workers are entitled to some of the lowest numbers of annual leave days in the European Union, with just 31 and 29 days respectively, compared to the EU average of 36 days. This is according to a recent study by human resource consultants William H Mercer, which highlights the disparities in annual leave and public holiday entitlements across the EU. While some EU countries, such as Austria, Germany, and Sweden, offer significantly more annual leave, workers in the UK and Ireland are among those receiving the least amount of time off.

Key Takeaways:

• The UK and Ireland provide the lowest number of annual leave days in the EU, with 31 and 29 days respectively, compared to the EU average of 36 days.
• Austria, Germany, and Sweden provide the longest time off, with 43, 42, and 41 days respectively.
• Industry practice in the EU generally grants between 23 and 25 days of annual leave, but this can range from 20 days in Belgium and Italy to 30 days in Germany and Austria.
• Public holiday entitlements vary significantly across the EU, with an average of 11 holidays granted among member states.
• Workers in Portugal and Finland benefit from 14 public holidays per year, while those in the UK and Netherlands receive only 8.

Statistics:

• The EU average of annual leave days is 36 days.
• UK workers are entitled to 31 days of annual leave, while Irish workers receive 29 days.
• Austria offers 43 days of annual leave, Germany grants 42 days, and Sweden provides 41 days.
• Industry practice in the EU grants an average of 24 days of annual leave.
• The average number of public holidays granted among EU member states is 11.

Sources:

• William H Mercer, Human Resource Consultants.