BRUSSELS – Belgians have significantly fewer paid vacation days and holidays than their European colleagues.  This has emerged from a study by consultancy bureau Mercer which was published on Tuesday.

Finnish workers have the most holidays – no fewer than 44, including holidays. Belgians are lagging behind with a total of 20 paid vacation days.

A European directive calls for workers to be given “paid leave” of at least four weeks or 20 full working days a year. In contrast to its neighbours, Belgium sticks closely to this minimum, which the Netherlands does as well. France (30), Luxembourg (25) and Germany (24) all give their workers more than the European minimum.

[Copyright Expatica News 2007]

Subject: Belgian news