A new right to safe leave for domestic abuse

A new right to safe leave for domestic abuse

New legislation. Northern Ireland has become the first jurisdiction in the UK to grant employees there a right to ten days’ paid “safe leave” per year if they experience domestic abuse. Safe leave is intended to be used for issues relating to domestic abuse which may include obtaining legal advice, finding alternative accommodation, protecting family members and accessing healthcare. It is a day one right.

Rest of the UK. Although this right only applies in Northern Ireland for the moment, it is likely that England, Wales and Scotland will follow suit in due course. In the meantime, employers there can have a voluntary policy on domestic abuse.

Northern Ireland has introduced a new right to ten days’ paid safe leave for employees who experience domestic abuse. This does not apply in England, Wales and Scotland, but employers there can have a voluntary policy on domestic abuse.