Domestic abuse leave in pipeline
by Hazel Gavigan
 
The union’s equality officer, Billy Hannigan, highlighted the importance of the minister’s announcement.
The union’s equality officer, Billy Hannigan, highlighted the importance of the minister’s announcement.

Victims of domestic violence will soon be entitled to a period of paid leave from work, after last week’s Government announcement that there is to be a public consultation process on the matter. The development has been broadly welcomed by trade unions, including Fórsa. 

  

The union’s equality officer, Billy Hannigan, highlighted the importance of the minister’s announcement. “It’s widely recognised that rates of domestic abuse have spiked this year as a result of the pandemic, and it’s imperative that the Government puts appropriate measures in place to help protect victims.

 

“Employers must work with trade unions to develop workplace policies that put supports in place. This includes training staff in how to spot the signs of domestic abuse, and informing them how to support and properly signpost people,” he said. 

 

Billy added that the state, in its role as an employer, does not have to wait for legislation, but could implement supports for its own employees across the civil and public service before a bill is passed.

 

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) recently called on the Irish government to ratify an International Labour Organisation convention on violence and harassment in the world of work, which includes provisions for domestic violence leave. The UN body – made up of representatives of governments, unions and employers – also called for flexible work arrangements and the inclusion of domestic violence in workplace risk assessments. 

 

The proposal for paid domestic abuse leave was first mooted in a trade union guide to domestic abuse produced by ICTU’s Women’s Committee in 2009. A motion calling for the right was debated and passed at its women’s conference in March of this year. 

 

Equality minister O’Gorman agreed to the consultation after Sinn Féin published legislation on the issue.

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE. 

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