Hot to go: Brits plan ‘sun sickies’ as 2025’s second heatwave hits

• Analysis of Virgin Media O2 broadband data reveals that Brits are switching off and heading out as temperatures soar
• Nearly half of Brits admit they have faked a sick day to make the most of the sunshine
• With another heatwave on the horizon, Virgin Media O2 predicts that many Brits will down tools and get outside

30 June 2025, London: As the UK braces for another spell of soaring temperatures, Virgin Media O2 is predicting network traffic to drop as Brits head outside to enjoy the sunshine.

Analysis of network traffic during the heatwave earlier this month reveals that traffic dropped by over 7% when the temperature hit 30°, as the nation clocks off to soak up the sun – whether it’s authorised or not.

Too hot to work: “Sun sickies” soar with the temperatures

A nationally representative poll commissioned by Virgin Media O2 Business found that 41% of UK workers admit to having pulled a sickie to make the most of hot weather, with that figure soaring to 6-in-10 18–24 year-olds.

Next week’s forecasted highs of 32°C have sent sun-lovers into planning mode, with the most popular heatwave activities including:

• Spending time in a park or garden – 77%
• Taking a spontaneous trip to the beach or countryside – 65%
• Eating out at a restaurant or café – 67%

Suns out, laptops away: Network traffic slumps as Brits log off

The traffic dips have emerged from Virgin Media O2’s broadband network analysis, which is a reliable indicator of the connectivity habits of the British public. The data reveals a noticeable drop in traffic during the warmest weather, suggesting employees are stepping away from screens – whether officially on leave or not.

Gareth Lister, Director of Connectivity at Virgin Media O2, said: “Whether they’re heading to the beach, the park or their back garden, our data shows people across the UK are making the most of the sunshine. Whatever the weather, and wherever people choose to work or unwind, we’ll be working to keep them connected.”

ENDS

The Virgin Media O2 Business Movers Index is a publicly available quarterly report that explores the latest UK movement insights from each quarter. Find out more and access the report here: Virgin Media O2 Business website.