A backbench Labour MP has proposed a private members’ bill that would provide statutory paid leave for domestic abuse victims.
Domestic abuse in the UK
Domestic abuse includes psychological manipulation, coercion, isolation from friends and family, and financial control, as well as physical abuse. The Crime Survey for England and Wales 2023 estimated that 2.1 million people aged 16 and over (1.4 million women and 751,000 men) experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2023. Many of these individuals will be employees and will be dealing with the impact of domestic abuse while trying to fulfil their responsibilities at work.
The proposal
Alex McIntyre, Labour MP for Gloucester, introduced the Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) Bill (the Bill) to Parliament at the start of January. The Bill would entitle domestic abuse victims to 10 days of paid statutory leave per year. They could use this time off to deal with challenges such as protecting family members, finding alternative accommodation and starting their recovery. The government has not yet announced if it will support the Bill, which Mr McIntyre introduced under the Ten Minute Rule. Bills introduced under the Ten Minute Rule rarely progress and, without government support, it is unlikely to become law. An independent MP has also proposed amendments to the Employment Rights Bill to introduce a similar statutory leave entitlement and other protections for victims of domestic abuse.
Other countries
Several countries have already passed similar legislation, setting a precedent for supporting victims of domestic abuse. Australia and parts of Canada have implemented entitlements to 10 days’ paid leave, with a similar law set to come into force in Northern Ireland in the near future. Victims in these jurisdictions have reported using the time to manage their safety and wellbeing:
- Securing safety: relocating, attending court hearings or liaising with police.
- Medical appointments: seeking medical attention for both physical and mental health concerns.
- Legal or financial support: meeting with lawyers or financial advisers to address the impact of domestic abuse.
- Counselling: to help with the emotional impact of domestic abuse, even after securing safety.
What can employers do to support victims?
Irrespective of the Bill’s fate, as part of their wellbeing strategy, employers may wish to consider taking steps to support employees who have been victims of domestic abuse. These could include:
- being flexible to accommodate the varying needs of victims;
- providing information about both internal support and access to external organisations that can help victims;
- training key HR staff and managers on how to recognise signs of domestic abuse and how to approach supporting an employee;
- ensuring they have a comprehensive domestic abuse policy outlining how to handle workplace-related issues in these circumstances; and
- ensuring privacy and confidentiality of employees who disclose struggles with domestic abuse.
The Bill may not progress, but it has started a conversation around employer support for victims of domestic abuse. Even without becoming law, the Bill (and the proposed amendments to the Employment Rights Bill) may serve to help employers take steps to retain valued employees.
