Whitehall urged to lead on low-carbon travel
Cross-party MPs and business leaders say giving employees time to travel sustainably is smart business.
A group of MPs and business leaders have co-signed a letter calling on Whitehall to lead by example on low-carbon travel - by adopting Sustainable Travel Leave across the Civil Service.
The principle is simple: many people want to choose trains, coaches or ferries instead of flying, but are pushed towards flights because slower journeys eat into limited annual leave. Sustainable Travel Leave removes that barrier by giving staff a small amount of extra paid leave when they opt for lower-carbon travel.
A London–Berlin rail journey, for example, cuts emissions by around 92% compared with flying - but takes several hours longer. Sustainable Travel Leave covers that additional time, making the climate-friendly choice realistic rather than aspirational.
Pioneered by the climate charity Possible, the policy has already been adopted by almost 200 employers and is now spreading internationally. Importantly, six years of data show the impact on employers is minimal: the average extra leave taken amounts to just three minutes per employee per month.
What employers do see are benefits. Nearly three-quarters report improved staff motivation and wellbeing, over two-thirds say it supports recruitment, and more than 80% say it helps embed sustainability across their organisation.
The letter urges the Cabinet Office to introduce Sustainable Travel Leave for civil servants - an ultra-low-cost way to align everyday working practices with the government’s net-zero commitments, without new regulation or complex administration.
At a time when voters expect climate ambition to be reflected in day-to-day decisions, giving staff time to travel sustainably is practical, fair - and good leadership.
Signatories include:
Lord Cromwell
Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb
Zach Polanski
Kim Johnson MP
Alex Sobel MP
Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP
Siân Berry MP
Neil Duncan-Jordan MP
Dr Ellie Chowns MP
John McDonnell MP
Paula Barker MP
Carla Denyer MP
Steff Aquarone MP