Workers experiencing domestic violence will now be able to take up to five days leave with full pay, following the introduction of Section 7 of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 which came into effect last Monday (23rd November).

No prior notice needs to be given and can be taken where the employee is experiencing domestic violence, including coercive control, or where they are supporting their spouse, partner, or child who is the victim.

Fórsa has welcomed the introduction of this vital provision, but the union has committed to continue working to collectively bargain to secure ten days paid leave for workers who need to avail of this support.

Fórsa has long campaigned for the introduction of leave for those experiencing domestic violence, and in May 2022 delegates at Fórsa’s national conference in Killarney unanimously backed a motion from the union’s national executive calling for statutory paid leave for victims of domestic violence. In May this year, delegates at the Services and Enterprises Divisional Conference voted overwhelmingly in favour of a motion calling for union efforts to collectively bargain for ten days’ domestic violence leave within the division’s employments.

National secretary Ashley Connolly said that this long-awaited leave is a milestone in this hard-fought campaign.

“The introduction of this leave is vital support for survivors to assist them in making essential changes such as moving out of a violent situation, seeking legal support, and organising care for dependents. No one experiencing domestic violence should have to risk poverty or unemployment to seek support and the introduction of this leave will help workers try to find a pathway out of violence,” she said.

Fórsa's communications and events officer Róisín McKane said it was “a great step forward” in supporting survivors of domestic abuse.

“We know that the effects of domestic abuse spills over into the workplaces - our members have told us. We know that supportive workplaces can make a difference to those suffering domestic abuse and violence, and this leave will make a real difference to those experiencing abuse,” she said.

Ashley said that Ireland is “leading the way” in bringing in paid leave for workers who are victims of domestic violence but expressed disappointment at the five-day limit.

“We believe the workplace should be a safe space, a place where the stigma and the shame can be left at the door. Financial independence from abusers is the key to escaping and building a better life. If this new law is to do what is intended, workers must be paid their full wages during absences. Anything less risks putting them in further danger. It’s disappointing that the leave is for only five days, but we will continue to work to collectively bargain to provide for ten days paid leave,” she said.

Fórsa member and Women’s Aid advocate Linda O’Sullivan spoke to Highland Radio earlier this week welcoming the legislation as a first step. You can listen back to that interview here.