In 2024, fewer than 1% (0.9%) of private sector workers took advantage of new legislation allowing them to carry over unused statutory leave days to the following year, according to a study published by HR services provider Acerta Consult.
Marijke Beelen, an expert in leave at Acerta Consult, explains: "Take a worker with a five-day working week. If they plan their last three leave days of 2024 for 27, 30 and 31 December, they can carry over these days if they fall ill from 27 December. Because there would be fewer than three working days left in the year, these days can't be taken in the same year."
The transfer of leave applies not only in cases of illness but also in situations such as work accidents, occupational diseases, maternity or birth leave, paternity leave in case of the mother's death or hospitalisation, prophylactic leave, adoption leave, foster care leave, and parental leave.
Among all private sectors analysed, the non-profit sector had the highest percentage of workers transferring leave days to the following year at 1.85%. The hospitality sector had the lowest percentage at 0.15%.
This survey is based on real data from approximately 574,000 workers (both labourers and employees) on permanent contracts at around 44,000 private sector employers. The sample reflects the private sector labour market in Belgium regarding status, gender, age, work regime, region and company size.
