A mother from County Dublin has persuaded her employer to grant her additional paid annual leave, which she utilised for a family holiday to France. June Tinsley, 50, recently embarked on a two-week journey to Biarritz alongside her partner and teenage child. The family drove onto a ferry at Rosslare, County Wexford, and relaxed as the vessel sailed to Bilbao, a mere 90-minute drive from their final destination.
How Sustainable Travel Leave Works
June's employer, Business in the Community Ireland, participates in the Sustainable Travel Leave (STL) scheme. This initiative rewards employees with extra days off when they opt for more environmentally friendly modes of transport. The 30-hour crossing each way might deter some holidaymakers, but for June, the holiday began the moment they boarded the ferry. She availed of 1.5 days of additional leave under the policy, which she described as a perk that aligns with both the company's values and her own.
Onboard Experience
During the voyage, the family played cards, watched a movie, and utilised the free 90-minute Wi-Fi service to check emails. Entertainment was available for children, though June noted her teenager was beyond that. The outbound journey was particularly enjoyable due to good weather, allowing them to spend time on the top deck enjoying the breeze and scenery. The return tickets for the three adults cost £870, which June acknowledged was more expensive than flying, but they saved on car rental.
Environmental Benefits
June is a strong advocate for the scheme, stating that it rewards staff for being environmentally conscious. She highlighted that Europe is easily accessible via numerous ferry routes, and while the journey takes longer than a flight, it is enjoyable. According to data, a London–Berlin rail journey cuts emissions by roughly 92% compared to flying, though it takes seven hours longer. Sustainable Travel Leave compensates for this additional travel time with a modest leave allowance.
Aviation accounts for around 7% of the UK's CO₂ emissions and is one of the fastest-growing contributors to climate change. The IEA projects this could reach 16% by 2035. A 2020 Statista study indicated that over two-thirds of UK flyers wish to fly less, but time constraints and limited leave often hinder their efforts.
Growing Adoption
Since its launch, more than 200 employers have adopted Sustainable Travel Leave, including charities, law firms, publicly traded companies, and MPs. Newest adopters include British Fencing, Steff Aquarone MP, CampbellReith, and Bates Wells. The scheme is gaining traction as a way to promote sustainable travel while supporting employee wellbeing.
