Holiday Poverty: A Growing Concern for European Workers

Key Highlights:

  • Rising Holiday Poverty: Nearly 40 million Europeans can’t afford a week’s holiday.
  • Countries Leading the Issue: Ireland, France, and Italy face the highest increases in holiday poverty.
  • Economic and Mental Health Impact: Lack of vacations affects physical and mental well-being.

Holiday poverty: Everyone loves a good vacation, but for many European workers, it’s becoming an unattainable dream. Nearly 40 million people, or 15% of the European Union’s working population, face “holiday poverty,” unable to afford even a week’s holiday. This alarming trend has been highlighted by a study conducted by The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC).

“Too many people are no longer seeing the benefits of Europe’s powerful economy in their everyday lives,” ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch stated.

The study analyzed European Union income and living standards data from 2021 and 2022, focusing on the ability to afford a one-week annual vacation. These years, marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, saw workers across the EU struggling to afford holidays.

European Workers
European Workers

Countries Facing the Brunt

Italy stands out with the highest number of workers unable to afford holidays, exceeding 6 million people. Romania (36%) and Cyprus (25%) have the highest percentage of their working populations facing similar difficulties. Additionally, Ireland and France experienced the most significant increase in holiday poverty during the studied period.

The Importance of Vacations

“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,” Lynch emphasized.

The data from ETUC reflects a period of elevated interest rates and inflation, which increased the cost of living. While the number of Europeans traveling began to normalize in 2022, the trend of fewer workers affording vacations predates the pandemic and recent economic volatility.

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Historical Context and Current Trends

Holiday poverty saw a significant rise in 2010 following the financial crisis. Although the numbers improved leading up to the pandemic, the trend has reversed since then. Despite generous annual leave allowances, German and French workers report feeling deprived of vacations compared to their global peers, according to a June report by Expedia.

European Workers
European Workers

The Broader Impact

Lynch noted that enabling working-class families to take vacations was a significant achievement of the 20th century. However, recent figures indicate a reversal in social progress due to increased economic inequality.

As real wages decline and the cost-of-living crisis continues, ETUC expects holiday poverty to rise further in 2023. This trend underscores the ongoing challenges faced by European workers and highlights the need for policies that address economic inequalities and support workers’ well-being.

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