Worried travellers are reluctant to use their full holiday allowance amid fears they will lose their jobs, according to new research.More than a third of workers admit they are nervous of taking their full holiday entitlement thanks to the credit crunch.

And another 28 per cent are worried that taking too much time off might make them targets for redundancy.Because of this, a staggering 16 per cent don’t think they will take all of the days off they are entitled to.

The poll of 3,000 British workers, commissioned by Teletext Holidays, revealed that although the average worker gets 20 days holiday a year, many say they rarely use them all up.Instead, they usually finish the year with three days outstanding that they never get a chance to take.

Victoria Sanders, managing director of Teletext Holidays, which carried out the poll said: “The research proves people are finding it increasingly hard to relax at the moment, with many admitting it’s the most stressed they have ever felt.”

“Concern about job security means people are leaving it later than ever before to book their holiday. There are some particularly good deals around right now and we are seeing people book within days of travel. Employers won’t exchange unused holiday for cash, so based on an average UK salary of £24,000 not taking three days of leave is equivalent of giving up your time to the value of £300 to your employer for free.”

Researchers found that 75 per cent think their life is much more stressful than it used to be, with more than two thirds blaming the increase on the credit crunch.

Almost three quarters also reckon they are spending less time than ever relaxing.On top of that, the average worker does three hours and 15 minutes of unpaid overtime each week - a total of more than one month’s work for free over a year.

But a staggering 96 per cent of those surveyed think getting away from it all is important for their health and wellbeing, with more than three quarters saying they are in need of a break at the moment. Almost 90 per cent think going on holiday is the perfect way of reducing work-related stress, while 81 per cent even think they are more productive once they have had some time off.

Just over three quarters (78%) of folk also admitted they like to have a trip booked so they have something to aim for in the coming months. Even when they do go away, many don’t fully unwind as 43 per cent admit they think about work and 12 per cent take work-related phone calls.

Seven per cent even take their laptop with them so they are able to do some work while on holiday. Victoria Sanders from Teletext Holidays added: ‘’It’s important to properly unwind on holiday – switch off phones and laptops and forget about work and you’ll certainly notice the benefits when you return to your desk. Not only will you feel re-energized, output will increase too.”