Candidates increasingly regard holiday entitlement as a deciding factor in deciding whether to change jobs, according to a new study.

Recruitment agency Tact Personnel, based in Exeter, questioned more than 100 candidates in the area, with 71% saying annual leave is “extremely important” and would be reluctant to accept a reduction in joining a new company.

Tact also questioned more than 100 local employers to find out what entitlements are on offer. More than half (55%) offered 20 days annual leave a year, with just 16% offering 25 days.

Companies also seem reluctant to give loyal employers extra time away. More than half (56%) offered no length of service rise, with 5% of employees even having to use bank holidays as part of their annual leave recruitment.

“Employers should consider the annual entitlement package as a key element of attracting staff,” said Tact Personnel business manager Louise Kane. “Money matters, but an attractive benefits package can make a great difference.”