Should more employers offer marriage leave in the UK?

Did you know that only 5% of UK-based employers offer marriage leave? According to a poll by wedding app, Hitched, most of us are missing out on this generous policy - but is there demand for it?

It's no secret that weddings are expensive, time-consuming, exciting, and stressful, and in the lead-up stage, the happy couple may need to take time off to see vendors and get everything done. Wedding leave can help relieve some stress and allow employees flexibility as the big day approaches.

How long can you take off for your wedding in the UK?

Unlike some parts of Europe, the UK has no statutory leave allowance for your wedding. If your company is among the 5% of British companies that offer wedding leave, lucky you! For the vast majority, that time off should be taken from other time off allowances, like annual or unpaid leave.

How other countries offer wedding leave

Spain

Let's go across the pond to our newlywed friends in Spain; they'll enjoy 15 calendar days off starting from the first working day after their wedding as part of their Leave for Personal Obligation entitlement.

France

In France, employees are given at least four paid days to enjoy their wedding celebrations or manage appointments and planning.

Ukraine

Employees in Ukraine are offered 10 days of leave when they get married.

Vietnam

Weddings are taken very seriously in Vietnam, with employees offered up to 5 days off following their wedding. The couple's parents are also given a paid leave day around the big day.

China

Marriages are a big deal in China, and depending on the province you live in, you can receive anywhere from 3 to a whopping 30 days of paid leave. In northern China's Gansu and Shanxi provinces, newlyweds are granted the extensive 30 days as part of their initiative to increase birth rates. In an extra generous twist, their entitlement resets even if a bride or groom is in their second, third or fourth wedding.

Why don't we have statutory marriage leave in the UK?

Recently, the UK Government has focussed on strengthening leave entitlements for vulnerable people. The Carer's Leave Act and Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act have taken priority over other statutory leave policies.

There is also some discussion around the relevance of marriage leave as more people are choosing not to marry than generations past. Some employees may feel the policy discriminates against them and their circumstances or choices.

So, is there a demand for marriage leave in the UK?

The Hitched poll found that over 80% of respondents had used their annual leave entitlement to celebrate their wedding and honeymoon, and 10% used unpaid leave. This demonstrates that there may be a reasonable demand for marriage leave, and employers should consider it as a bonus offer to attract talent.