ONE in three workers would prefer more holidays to a pay rise and most believe extra leave would motivate them to switch jobs, according to a report.

A survey of almost 8,000 adults in 24 countries for travel site Expedia found that those in Britain and Europe had more holiday time than workers in Asia Pacific and North America.

The highest number of days offered to staff is 30 in Denmark, France, Germany and Spain, 28 in Italy, and 26 in Britain.

In comparison, holidays totalled 15 days in the United States and Mexico, and just 11 in Thailand, the study by consulting firm Northstar found.

The average is 28 in Europe - 12 per cent more than the global figure, the study found, adding that the Italians only take 21 out of their entitled 28 days off, with Britons taking 25 out of 26.

Workers in South Korea took only seven of 15 available days in the past year.

Andy Washington, managing director of Expedia.co.uk, said: "While habits differ, the emotional impact of holiday does not. Somewhere between 80 per cent and 90 per cent of people worldwide say that holidays make them feel happier, better rested, closer to their family, less stressed, and more relaxed."