Thousands of families set to take holidays during term-time A DfE spokesman today said: "Poor attendance at school can have a hugely damaging effect on a child's education. Children who attend school regularly are four times more likely to achieve five or more good GCSEs than those who are regularly absent. HPI Research said the majority of people - 54 per cent - are not planning a foreign holiday this year after being "bombarded" with news about the effects of the recession, compared with 40 per cent in 2010. The research firm said three in four people were not confident about their financial situation. Some 22 per cent will still holiday in the UK. Nearly 13 per cent will take time off but spend it at home, while 7 per cent are planning to stay with family or friends in the UK. Juliet Strachan, HPI managing partner, said: "These figures clearly show how the recession is impacting holiday plans. While the wider economy might be showing signs of a slow recovery, in reality consumers' budgets are still under intense pressure, causing holiday loving Brits to make sacrifices with how they use their time off. Last month, Travelodge claimed the "Staycation" was back in vogue, suggesting two-thirds of Britons will holiday in the UK this year.