A MP is planning to introduce a Bill in the coming week to give domestic abuse victims paid time off to stay safe.
The Labour MP for Gloucester, Alex McIntyre, will introduce the Domestic Abuse Bill (Safe Leave), in the House of Commons tomorrow (7 January). In his Private Member’s bill, McIntyre proposes a right to 10 paid days of “safe leave”, but this will be subject to consultation.
Any member of Parliament or the Lords can introduce Private Members’ Bills. However, due to limited time in parliament, not all proposed Bills become law.
McIntyre stated that he met with local organisations to discuss their work to support survivors. Many had expressed the need for employers to provide better support.
He told PA News that the Bill would grant domestic abuse victims a paid leave to deal with issues relating to their abuse.
This could include, for instance, finding a safe place, dealing with housing or health issues, childcare or attending court or police interview, attending counseling etc.
He said that the Bill was in line with Labour’s commitment to reduce violence against women and young girls by half over the next decade.
McIntyre was not the first member of parliament to bring up the issue of employer assistance for victims domestic violence in Parliament.
Paul Scully, the then minister of business, wrote an letter to employers in 2021. He urged them to act as a “bridge” to offer workers support.
He has launched a review to see how flexible working hours or salary advances could help workers in such situations.
Kevin Poulter is a partner in the employment law department at Freeths. He pointed out that employers are already supporting their employees in cases where they feel unsafe or face challenges in their personal life, even without a legal obligation.
Some employers, such as Vodafone or the charity Villiers park Educational Trust, have policies that provide paid leave to victims of domestic violence.
The CIPD and Equality and Human Rights Commission have also published guidance on how to support employees who are victims of domestic abuse. A recommendation for 10 days paid leave was made.
Poulter stated: “Many companies will provide support to their employees in cases where they feel unsafe or are facing personal challenges, even if there is no legal obligation.
“Although the introduction of a law that provides minimum standards for protection and compensation for employees who suffer domestic abuse is likely to reduce anxiety anda provide some security, employers must understand the conditions in which it applies, the cost implications for the business, and the way each situation will assessed and if needed, determined. This will help them to make the right decisions, both at the time as well as in any subsequent legal disputes.
Alternative methods that favour privacy and are less intrusive should be considered.
