The UK is set to have the fewest public holidays in Europe in 2025 – but workers could still earn nearly £800 while they are relaxing, according to new analysis.
Research by the Global Payroll Association (GPA) reveals that the UK will have just eight public holidays this year, fewer than any other country in Europe, who all get at least 10.
Workers in Hungary and Lithuania will enjoy 16 public holidays off, while Slovenia and Romania get 15 and Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Spain all enjoy 14 days.
Only Ireland and Belgium come close to the UK’s low figure, each offering 10 public holidays in 2025.
However, when it comes to earnings, UK employees still fare reasonably well. Based on an average salary of £35,393, the typical British worker will earn around £776 – around £97 a day – over the course of the eight public holidays.
Luxembourg tops the pay league, with workers there set to earn £2,319 from their 12 days off, thanks to average salaries of over £70,000. Danish workers will earn around £2,096 from their holidays, followed by Austria (£1,690), Finland (£1,500), and Ireland (£1,399).
Melanie Pizzey, CEO and Founder of the GPA, said: “In the UK, we get little more than one week off in every 52 for public holidays, so if you’re lucky enough to get the day off, make the most of it.
“Relaxing should be made all the easier knowing that you’re earning money at the same time, but while we’re lounging, barbequing and sleeping in, we should also spare a thought for those who don’t get public holidays off – including emergency workers, hospitality staff and others on hourly wages.”
The GPA’s analysis includes official public holidays in 2025 but excludes regional variations. Average salary data was drawn from sources including Eurostat, the Office for National Statistics and EuroNews.
