21% of workers do not take full annual leave, Timetastic finds
11% said they felt pressure not to book time off, with workload concerns and guilt the main barriers.
Timetastic’s 2026 annual leave report found that 21% of UK workers did not take their full annual leave allowance.
26% had more than 15 days of unused leave at the end of 2025.
11% said they felt pressure not to book time off, with workload concerns and guilt the main barriers.
Nearly half said their mental health suffered.
All respondents reported higher levels of work-related stress.
For the 26% who left 15 days unused last year, the financial loss was clear.
Workers on £20,000 lost £1,154, those on £25,000 lost £1,442, and workers on £30,000 lost £1,731.
The figures went up to £3,562 for those earning £60,000.
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Sarah Crammond, service and support specialist at Timetastic, said: “Creating a culture where people actually use their leave requires more than just a policy in an employee handbook.”
Crammond noted that teams can be supported in several practical ways.
She stated that encouraging early booking gives managers more time to plan cover.
Additionally, she said getting the rota right is important, as uncertainty around shift cover can make staff reluctant to take time off.
She pointed out the need to keep an eye on leave balances, so staff who have not booked leave for a long period or have a lot left towards the end of the year can be supported.
Crammond also flagged the importance of managing the workload for people who are away, making sure they do not return to a backlog of emails.
She also stressed that managers should lead by example, taking holidays themselves and talking about them, so junior staff feel comfortable booking time off.