Britons ‘to take their work home’

Today more than 17 million people in Britain will do some work tasks this bank holiday, despite having the day off, a study suggests.

This is two-fifths of those with Monday off work, says bank First Direct.

Work tasks will include checking their e-mail accounts, which 43% of respondents admitted they were likely to do, and 34% will take reading home.

First Direct said that around 7.6 million people across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will have to go into work on Monday, including everyone from hospital workers to bar staff and call centre employees.

“It’s clear that for the country’s working population, having the bank holiday off is not a given,” said First Directs head of human resources, Jane Hanson.

“People are now either in a job where they officially work on a bank holiday, feel the need to take the odd bit of work home or keep half an eye on the inbox.”