A new study shows that ‘holiday poverty’ affects almost 40 million EU workers
A recent study by The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) reveals that nearly 40 million workers in the EU were unable to afford a one-week holiday in 2022. This figure represents 14% of the EU’s population, highlighting a significant issue of ‘holiday poverty.’
In 2022, two million more people in the European Union found themselves unable to afford a vacation compared to the previous year. This increase underscores the growing economic challenges faced by workers across the continent.
The importance of vacation for workers’ health
ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch emphasized the critical need for workers to have time off to recuperate, stating that vacations are essential for addressing burnout and ensuring that employees return to work refreshed and restored. She highlighted that holidays are not a luxury but a necessity for protecting both physical and mental health.
The study indicates that the prevalence of holiday poverty varies significantly across EU member states. France saw the largest increase in holiday poverty, with nearly five million people unable to go on vacation, although the country remains below the EU average. Ireland experienced the highest percentage increase, with a 4% rise, resulting in 14.8% of its working population unable to afford holidays.
Countries with higher than average holiday poverty
There are 13 EU countries where the situation is worse than the EU average of 14.6%, with Romania at the highest level, where 36% of the population cannot afford a holiday.
The European Commission reports that around half of European workers consider stress a common workplace issue. The EU executive’s Communication on Mental Health emphasizes the importance of the right to disconnect as a means of reducing work-related stress and promoting a better work-life balance.
According to Eurostat, 62% of EU residents made at least one personal touristic trip in 2022, with half of these trips being short and domestic. Germans spent the most on international travel, with €85.2 billion, followed by the French with €39.2 billion.
Measuring material and social deprivation
The ability to afford a one-week annual holiday is one of the indicators used by the EU to measure material and social deprivation. This indicator, along with others such as the capacity to face unexpected expenses and access to a car, helps assess the quality of life and economic stability of individuals.
Esther Lynch remarked that one of the significant social advances of the 20th century was the increased ability of working-class families to afford holidays. This progress improved health and wellbeing and fostered a sense of optimism. However, the current figures indicate a reversal of this progress due to rising economic inequality.
The ETUC warns that the situation could worsen in 2023 due to the rising cost of holidays and wages not keeping pace with inflation. This could lead to even more workers being unable to afford a much-needed break.
By understanding the extent and implications of holiday poverty, stakeholders can better address this issue and work towards ensuring that all workers have the opportunity to enjoy a restorative vacation.
