Many workers say they are too busy to go on holiday

A survey of a 1,000 workers found the average employee loses out on more than three months of holiday over their working lives, with many blaming the pressure of work for not taking time off.

A third of the men and one in six women who took part in the study said they were simply too busy to go on holiday.

Employees willingness to forgo a break means that about �4 billion worth of work in the UK goes unrewarded every year.

Almost a third of those polled said they would like to be allowed to trade in some of their holidays for other benefits, such as a car allowance or membership of a gym.

Workers in their forties were most likely not to take up their full holiday entitlement.

'Flexibility'

Gerry Callaghan, managing director of the employee benefits division of Royal & Sun Alliance, who conducted the survey, said employers should encourage staff to take time off.

He said: "Clearly, many people are not able to take all of their holiday entitlement and are looking for greater flexibility from their employers.

"However, workers should not lose sight of the importance of holiday entitlement.

"Whilst most people would like some flexibility in their holiday allowance, employers should always ensure that their staff are taking at least one long break each year.

Mr Callaghan said the consequences of working in a high pressure environment without taking a holiday are potentially damaging to both staff and businesses.

Employees are more likely to suffer from burn-out and stress, and as a result businesses are likely to suffer the costs of a depleted and unmotivated workforce.