"Workers working on election day are entitled to time off on pay to vote," Labour employment spokesperson Pete Hodgson said today.

"Section 162 of the Electoral Act requires that employees who have not had "a reasonable opportunity of voting before commencing work" be given time off without loss of pay from 3 pm for the remainder of the day to allow them to cast their vote.

"This requirement has become more important as the number of people working at the weekends has grown and is a vital protection of our democratic rights," Mr Hodgson said.

"It has become apparent that many employers are not aware of this provision and there have even been instances of some employers indicating to staff that they will not be allowed to take time off to vote.

"Any employer who fails to give time off will be in contravention of the law," Mr Hodgson said.

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