Many failing to take all their annual leave

As many as 18% of the workforce have still to use up all their annual leave, it was revealed today.

Employees have an estimated 5.2 million days to take off before the end of the year, a survey by Hotels.com found.

Of those who have not used up all their holiday time, around 15% still have five days left to take, the poll showed.

It also revealed that around one in six Britons has taken less holiday this year than in 2008.

Hotels.com communications director Alison Couper said: "It's staggering to see how much holiday could be left unclaimed this year.

"With hotel prices at a record low, 2009 has been a fantastic year to bag a bargain and this trend is set to continue into 2010."

Meanwhile, British Airways said it was launching a winter sale tomorrow, with savings of up to £350.

Offers include a return flight to Montego Bay in Jamaica from £399 (saving £227); Sydney from £669 (saving £146) and Buenos Aires from £629 (saving £245).

The sale runs from tomorrow until midnight on January 26 2010 and is for travel from January 1 to November 30.