‘Holiday poverty’ affects 40 million workers in EU, finds new study

In 2022 two million more people in the European Union couldn’t afford to go on vacation, compared to the previous year, according to a new study published today (30 July) by The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC). 

While millions of people are preparing their suitcases to go on holiday in August, others cannot afford a week’s vacation, either in their own country or abroad.    

“It's also unsafe for workers, they need to have time to recuperate,” ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch told Euronews, adding that it is “important for addressing burnout and making sure that you come back to work restored and refreshed.”  

In a press release with the results of the study, Lynch added that “a holiday is not a luxury, having time away with family is key for protecting the physical and mental health of workers along with providing valuable experiences for children.”  

The situation is not even in all member states. The study shows that the biggest increase in holiday poverty happened in France, where, while still under the EU average, almost five million people couldn’t go on vacation.    

The biggest percentage increase was seen in Ireland, with a 4% rise – now standing at 14.8% - between 2021 and 2022 in the number of people among the country’s working population who couldn’t afford holidays.     

There are 13 countries where the situation is worse than the bloc’s 14.6% average, with Romania at the tail end at 36%.    

According to the European Commission, around half of European workers consider stress to be common in the workplace and one of the most challenging issues in occupational safety and health.    

The Communication on Mental Health published by the EU executive stresses the need to work on the right to disconnect as