Local government executives are too busy to take time off, according to a new survey.

Research carried out by the Chartered Management Institute revealed 64% of executives in local government were not using their full holiday allowances each year. Around one-third (36%) blame too heavy a workload for their failure to take holidays, while 24% are concerned they will not meet deadlines if they stop working, and 15% admit they find it hard to ‘let go'. At least 19 million holiday days are lost each year, with many executives wanting the option to exchange annual leave for financial benefits or more flexible working hours.