A British tradition from the early 20th century set for a comeback?

Summer Lull

Many businesses face a quiet period over the summer, whether the business itself is seasonal, or reliant on decision makers who may be away during this time. Employees with children also need to consider greater childcare needs over the summer months, and many of us enjoy taking time off around this time.

Historical Similarities

During the previous century a summer holiday was as naturally built into the working life as it is nowadays for the 6 week school summer holiday, and Parliament's recess from July to September.

1930s Tate and Lyle Sugar packaging

Hop Picking

One fascinating example of this is the hop pickers of Kent and Malvern. Hop Picking was labour intensive before mechanised farming, and confined to a very specific time of year. A tradition developed where by the urban workers, often employed in large manufacturing factors like the Tate and Lyle sugar refinery.

Summer Holiday

Whole families, including children; the elderly; adult female workers and sometimes adult male workers, would leave the urban East End & the Black Country and head to the countryside for a couple of weeks' break from inner-city life. Many looked forward to this time immensely, and considered an annual holiday/festival. Factory employers were familiar with this tradition, and either allowed workers the time off or took them back on their return.

A Designated Summer Holiday in 2016?

Virtual Assistant service providers Ava have found during a recent poll that almost 60% of respondents would welcome a designated summer shutdown. Arguing that this would help businesses to remain productive and cost-efficient. Businesses including JCB and TED have already adopted this old tradition. Is this something that could help your SME? Or do you think there is a better way to combat summer slowdown? Or perhaps the lull is something you don't experience?