15% of EU Workers Unable to Afford Holidays

In a concerning trend, the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) revealed that in 2022, approximately 39.7 million workers in the European Union, representing 15 percent of the workforce, were unable to afford at least one week of vacation away from home. This marks an increase from 37.6 million workers, or 14 percent, in 2021. The data highlights a growing issue of vacation poverty across the continent, with significant variations among member states. Italy reported the highest number of workers facing vacation poverty, with 6.1 million individuals, or 17 percent of its workforce, unable to take a week-long holiday. France also saw a notable increase, with nearly 4.7 million workers, or 11.9 percent, unable to afford a vacation, marking the largest nominal rise in the EU. Meanwhile, Ireland experienced the most significant relative increase, with vacation poverty rising by 3.8 percentage points to 14.8 percent. In Slovenia, the situation appears more favorable, with only 7.9 percent of workers unable to afford a vacation, a slight increase from 7.2 percent the previous year. The Free Trade Unions of Slovenia (ZSSS) attribute this lower rate to the country's legally mandated holiday allowance, which provides workers with a minimum number of paid vacation days. The ETUC's findings underscore the growing economic pressures faced by workers across Europe, raising concerns about the impact of vacation poverty on overall well-being and work-life balance.