As the summer break finally draws to a close, millions of exhausted parents across the UK are counting down the days until the school gates reopen. New research from money-saving platform MyVoucherCodes reveals that almost half of parents (42%) now believe the school holidays are simply too long.

After weeks of juggling work, soaring costs, and routine disruption, balancing work and family life during the summer break has reached a tipping point for families nationwide.

The data highlights why so many feel the current academic calendar is no longer fit for purpose: 53% of households admit balancing work and childcare during the break is stressful, and 58% say the holidays directly impact their working lives.

To survive the marathon six-week break, parents report taking drastic financial measures:

- 23% have dipped into emergency funds or savings.

- 23% have cut back on basic household essentials, including groceries and utilities.

- 18% have turned to credit cards, loans, or overdrafts to bridge the gap.

- 12% have been forced to skip or shorten a planned family holiday.

While 48% of respondents rely on family and friends to spend £0 on paid childcare, those who do pay face steep bills. One in four parents (25%) spend £100 or more per child, per week on holiday care during the weeks paid childcare is used.

The sheer length of the break is also taking a devastating toll on careers, with 63% of parents stating the summer break impacts their working lives:

- 44% exhaust all or most of their annual leave simply to cover holiday childcare.

- 29% work irregular hours, such as early mornings or late nights, to make up time.

- 26% attempt to work from home whilst caring for children.

- 17% have had to reduce their working hours.

- 16% have turned down promotions, projects, or extra shifts.

- 7% have been forced to quit or leave a job entirely due to holiday pressure.

Sarah-Jane Outten, Lifestyle and Shopping Expert at MyVoucherCodes, commented:

"The six-week break is meant to be a time for making family memories, but as the final weeks roll on, for millions of parents it has turned into an annual crisis of financial strain and exhaustion. Understandably, almost half of parents feel the school holidays are too long, and that’s because it’s become unaffordable. The fact that parents are also spending money on school uniforms at this time adds pressure.

"It’s worrying to see the impact on careers too. Years ago, the six-week break may have been a pleasure, but with both parents now needing to work, or for single parents, it’s one of the most challenging times of the year."

Notes to editors

Survey Methodology: All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The total sample size was 756 parents of children aged 4-16 years who attend school. Fieldwork was undertaken between 29th - 31st July 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).

About MyVoucherCodes: MyVoucherCodes is a market-leading voucher, coupon and discount deals website based in the UK. It has around five million consumer members who receive daily emails featuring the best selection of deals, vouchers, and offers from a wide range of retailers, including fashion, beauty, restaurants, electronics, and many more. It works with more than 2,500 retailers to offer more than 25,000 vouchers or discount codes.

Media Contact: Sarah-Jane Outten, PR Specialist, sarah-jane.outten@futurenet.com

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