These days can be used for those who experience abuse to attend court dates, medical appointments and other family issues.
The Irish Cabinet has approved the Work Life Balance Bill, which will offer survivors of domestic abuse five days paid leave.
These days can be used for those who experience abuse to attend court dates, medical appointments and other family issues.
The domestic violence measures are included in the Bill which also introduces the right for parents and carers to request flexible working hours in order to allow for their caring responsibilities. Additionally, employees who have children up to the age of 12 will be allowed the right to leave in order to care for them when they’re unwell.
Ireland’s Minister for Equality, Children, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O’Gorman spoke about the Bill on Newstalk this morning.
He said: “Through a wide-ranging suite of measures, it will provide additional flexibility to ensure that parents and carers can be supported to balance their working and family lives.
“Importantly, the bill will also provide significant assistance to those who are suffering domestic, sexual or gender-based violence.
“The Government has always prioritised the issue of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence, and Ireland will now become one of the first countries in Europe to introduce a right to paid leave for victims of domestic violence.”
Ireland’s plans to grant survivors of domestic abuse paid leave was announced earlier this year. At the time, Women’s Aid CEO Sarah Benson said: “It’s wonderful that something now will be put on a statutory footing. It will show how a workplace and employer can pivot to become an ally, rather than an additional challenge, for someone subject to domestic abuse.”
New Zealand and the Philippines have already enacted similar policies.
In the Philippines, employees who experience domestic violence are entitled to ten paid days off. In New Zealand, those affected by domestic violence are entitled to paid leave as well as flexible working arrangements.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, support is available. Women’s Aid’s 24hr National Freephone Helpline can be reached on 1800 341 900. Other resources can be found on their website right here.
Feature image: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie
