To the polls | What are your employees' rights to time off during the local elections?

The local elections are taking place across the UK on May the 7th.

Although turnout is typically lower than that of the general election polling day, it remains an important day for the country’s local authorities, and adults should be encouraged to go and cast their vote.

However, as is the case for the general election, local voting takes place on a weekday (a Thursday, to be exact), meaning the majority of eligible voters will be working all day. And with the local elections having a perception of being less important than the national vote, it will come as no surprise that many who might’ve considered voting might forego a visit to the polling booth after a long day at work, opting to head straight home instead.

Particularly of interest to HR leaders will be potential requests from staff for time off, particularly if employees need to vote or manage childcare due to school closures, where many polling booths will be set up.