Millions of UK Workers Denied £2 Billion in Holiday Pay
As the Trades Union Congress (TUC) kicks off its 146th annual Congress, shocking new figures reveal that UK workers lost out on a staggering £2 billion in holiday pay last year. A staggering 1.1 million employees – that’s one in 25 – were denied their full 28 days of paid leave, costing each affected worker an average of £1,800.
Low-Paid and Minority Workers Hit Hardest
The report exposes a harsh reality: employers are shortchanging staff, especially in low-paid sectors like hospitality and care. Black and minority ethnic (BME) workers suffer disproportionately, with 6% receiving zero paid leave compared to 4% of white workers. Retail and healthcare staff are also among the worst affected, often trapped by demanding workloads and hostile workplace cultures that discourage taking time off.
“We all deserve a break to spend time with friends and family. But over a million workers have been robbed of their paid leave,” said TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak. He slammed workplaces where holiday requests get blocked and employees face unrealistic workloads, calling out ignorance of legal rights on both sides.
TUC Calls for Tougher Enforcement and New Fair Work Agency
In response, the TUC is pushing for stronger legal enforcement with a bold five-point plan. Central to this is the Labour government’s proposed Fair Work Agency, which aims to clamp down on dodgy employment practices and bring all enforcement teams under one roof.
Polling backs the plan, with 61% of Brits supporting the creation of the Fair Work Agency. Nowak blasted the former Conservative government for slashing enforcement budgets and letting workers down. “It’s time to end the Tories’ race to the bottom and build a fair system where workers’ rights actually mean something,” he said.
Employment Rights Bill Takes Centre Stage at TUC Congress
As delegates debate the future of work, attention turns to the Employment Rights Bill and the Fair Work Agency. The TUC is urging the government to act fast to protect workers and make sure employers honour legal holiday pay entitlements and other rights.
This scandal highlights the urgent need for beefed-up laws to stop employers ripping off millions in the UK workforce.
