NSW is sitting on $12 billion economic stimulus in unused leave

In NSW, employees have racked up over 47 million days or $12.6 billion in unused leave, the largest stockpile in Australia.

“Over $12.6 billion in unused leave is another economic stimulus package that could boost domestic tourism, an industry that is critical to Sydney and regional NSW, and have a flow on effect through the rest of the NSW economy,” said Kevin MacDonald, CEO of NSW Business Chamber.

MacDonald said that squirreling away annual leave had negative impacts on both employees and employers including financial liabilities for unfunded annual leave, difficulties in retaining skilled staff, less motivated and productive workforces and health and well-being issues.

“NSW employers can help their employee’s health and well being and help the economy at the same time by encouraging their employees to use their annual leave.

“In this current economic environment one of the best ways for employees to support the financial viability and cash flow of the company they work for is to use their annual leave.

“This campaign is about creating a partnership between employers and employees to reduce the stockpile of leave, improve workplaces and boost the economy during these tough times.”

The “No Leave No Life” campaign is supported by a dedicated website at www.noleavenolife.com.au that provides employers and employees with important information and practical tools to support them in taking and planning leave and reducing the staggering leave stockpile.

NSW Business Chamber has over 30,000 members and is affiliated with 110 chambers of commerce throughout NSW and the ACT.