UK staff name GTA in 5% of leave

Grand Theft Auto (GTA VI) has been mentioned in nearly 5% of UK annual leave requests, according to BrightHR. The HR software provider found that 4.63% of requests for 19 November 2026, the game’s release day, cited Grand Theft Auto.

Throughout November and December, an estimated 83,000 days have been booked citing the game, with one person booking a fortnight off work to play it. The firm analysed absence data from over 1.2 million employees from 70,000 businesses.

Millennials led the way, with 4% mentioning GTA in their holiday request for launch day. The title was ranked among the top 10 reasons for Gen Z employees asking for time off in two weeks’ time. Such interest reflects the high anticipation the release generated among younger workers.

Alan Price, BrightHR chief executive, said: “Some bosses might roll their eyes at taking time off work to game, but they shouldn’t view it as time wasted. Taking gaming time off is every bit as valid as booking annual leave to attend a football match, a concert or a hen do.” He also noted that fans have waited 13 years for this release, and excitement is definitely brewing among the player base.

Price continued: “Don’t underestimate what makes your team tick. Some staff want to see the world; others want to tear around it through a console. This is honesty and trust in action: staff are unafraid to ask for what they want. As long as it doesn’t leave you short staffed, there’s no reason to reject holiday.”

The Uswitch data further revealed that 9% said they might claim sick leave even when healthy, 17% would opt for annual leave, and 14% considered taking unpaid leave to secure gaming time.

Uswitch estimated that 2.56 million UK workers would take time off to play GTA VI on 19 November. The survey also found that 21% expect to be more tired at work after playing the game, while the same proportion expect to be distracted, and a further 16% expect to be less productive.