Domestic Abuse Safe Leave

Domestic abuse is a traumatic and horrendous experience for those subjected to it. It occurs amongst people of all genders, ethnicities, sexualities, ages, disabilities, immigration status, religions or beliefs, and socio-economic backgrounds. It has a devastating impact on all aspects of a victim and survivor’s life, including the workplace. It can result in physical, emotional and psychological harm, and family and relationship breakdowns. As such, domestic abuse safe leave is very much a workplace issue and a workers’ rights issue.

Having access to safe leave can give employees the chance to seek support and space to deal with issues related to domestic abuse. Having access to paid leave means that employees are not at a financial detriment when they need to be away from work for this purpose.

Employers are increasingly recognising the importance of supporting employees who are experiencing domestic abuse. These employers are leading the way in supporting their employees who are dealing with the trauma of domestic abuse. Many already provide access to leave and other supports. However, access is not universal and it is important that we make sure everyone that needs it can access the right workplace support.

According to Police Service of Northern Ireland statistics, in the 12 months from 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024, there were 32,763 domestic abuse incidents recorded here. This is an appalling statistic and shows how much further we, as a society, still have to go in tackling this unacceptable behaviour. This is why it is so important that the Assembly passed the Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) Act (NI) 2022. This progressive legislation will give employees and workers who are the victims of domestic abuse up to 10 days paid safe leave for the purpose of dealing with issues related to that abuse. It is hoped this will also make it easier for employers to know what to do when their employee makes the difficult disclosure about domestic abuse. I am hopeful that it will encourage those affected to make such a disclosure as they will now be aware that a framework exists to provide them with support.

Many aspects of the safe leave framework have already been determined by the Act. Both employees and workers are entitled to safe leave. They will be able to access the right from their first day of employment. The cost of the paid leave is met by the employer. These are important cornerstones of the framework. There are, however, still some practical and implementation measures that the Department must determine. This consultation invites views on some specific aspects of the regulations so that we can implement the provisions of the Act in a way that provides support for all users of this important new legislation. I encourage you to respond to the consultation and share your views.

In the interim period, I also encourage all employers to proactively adopt the measures provided for in the Safe Leave Act.

I look forward to hearing your views.

Conor Murphy MLA

Minister for the Economy