HC Deb 03 March 2004 vol 418 cc988-9W
Mr. Stephen O'Brien

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of the work force has less than three weeks' annual paid leave. [155265]

Mr. Sutcliffe

According to the UK Labour Force Survey 1.7 per cent. of full-time employees had less than 15 days paid holiday including bank holidays in autumn 2003 compared to 4.6 per cent. in autumn 1997. From 1999 onwards the working time regulations provided 20 days paid annual leave entitlement including bank holidays per year. In autumn 2003, 2.5 per cent. of full-time employees had less than 20 days paid annual leave including bank holidays compared to 6.8 per cent. in autumn 1997.