Northern Ireland Economy Minister Dr has reaffirmed her
commitment to introducing paid safe leave for victims of domestic
abuse before the end of the current Assembly mandate.
The entitlement, which will provide 10 days' paid leave each
leave year for workers experiencing domestic abuse, is intended
to help victims access support services, attend appointments and
take steps to secure their safety.
The Minister was speaking after meeting members of the
Department's Domestic Abuse Safe Leave Working Group, which is
helping to develop practical guidance for employers and workers
ahead of the introduction of the new entitlement.
Minister Archibald said: "Domestic abuse is a workplace
issue, and paid safe leave will provide vital support to workers
at an extremely difficult time in their lives. I am
committed to delivering the necessary secondary legislation to
operationalise safe leave before the end of this Assembly
mandate."
She added: "No-one should have to choose between their
safety and their job. It is important that this new right
is supported by clear, practical and sensitive guidance.
I want to thank the Working Group members for their expertise and
for helping us ensure that the legislation and guidance work
effectively for those who need to rely on them, while also
supporting employers to understand and fulfil their obligations."
The introduction of Domestic Abuse Safe Leave is a commitment
within the Minister's wider Good Jobs agenda, supporting fair and
inclusive workplaces while ensuring workers experiencing domestic
abuse can access support with dignity and confidence.
