PAY DATA
Wide variations in EU holiday entitlement
Wide discrepancies continue across the EU in paid holiday entitlements, according to research by Mercer Human Resource Consulting.
The average leave and public holiday entitlements across all EU states -- 34 days -- masks some substantial variations depending on where you live. While the UK and Netherlands provide just 28 days off, at the other extreme, Greece, Austria, and Finland provide the most time off -- 37, 38 and 39 days respectively. The figures are based on statutory entitlements for an employee working five days a week, with 10 years' service.
Annual leave
The minimum number of days' annual leave ranges from 20 to 25, with the EU average pitched at 23 days. Six of the EU states -- including the UK -- provide just 20 days while 25 days are given by a further seven states. "Though there have been moves to harmonise employment practices in Europe, there's still a sizeable gulf in the amount of minimum paid holiday between member states," said David Formosa, European partner at Mercer.
| Comparison of statutory minimum days‚ leave and public holidays across Europe | |||
| Country | Annual leave | Public holidays | Total leave |
| Finland | 25 | 14 | 39 |
| Austria | 25 | 13 | 38 |
| Greece | 25 | 12 | 37 |
| France | 25 | 11 | 36 |
| Portugal | 22 | 14 | 36 |
| Spain | 22 | 14 | 36 |
| Sweden | 25 | 11 | 36 |
| Denmark | 25 | 10 | 35 |
| Luxembourg | 25 | 10 | 35 |
| Germany | 20 | 13 | 33 |
| Belgium | 20 | 10 | 30 |
| Italy | 20 | 10 | 30 |
| Ireland | 20 | 9 | 29 |
| Netherlands | 20 | 8 | 28 |
| UK | 20 | 8 | 28 |
* Figures are based on an employee with 10 years' service.
Source: Mercer Human Resource Consulting.
Want to know more?
Title: European Employment Conditions Report, Mercer Human Resource Consulting.
Availability: The report can be purchased online at www.mercerhr.com. To read the press release online visit www.mercerhr.com/pressrelease/details.jhtml/dynamic/idContent/1104770 jsessionid=LNC4BAQASREBGAAJAADQOCA
Mercer Human Resource Consulting is one of the world's leading consulting organisations. It has more than 13,000 employees serving clients in some 40 countries worldwide. To find out more visit www.mercerhr.com
Posted 8 September 2003