People are using sick days instead of annual leave in worrying trend View Image

Workers didn’t take all their annual leave, felt increased pressure to stay switched on and leaned on sick days as burnout peaked in 2025 - yet nearly 70% still said they enjoyed their job in 2025, according to report Employment Uncovered, launched by Employment Hero.

Based on insights from over 100,000 employee records, it found UK workers have taken 19 days of annual leave so far in 2025. December - driven largely by people booking time off around the holidays - saw the highest volume of leave taken, with workers typically securing those days months in advance.

Long weekends are still a firm favourite, with Fridays 20% more likely to be booked off, followed by Mondays. The Thursday before Good Friday wa

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