Statutory Domestic Violence Leave to Commence on Monday 27 November 2023
The Government of Ireland has introduced domestic violence leave under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023.
From Monday, 27 November 2023, it will be a legal requirement for employers to offer up to five days of paid leave over a period of 12 months to employees affected by domestic violence. The employee is to be paid the normal pay for those days.
To implement domestic violence leave effectively, it is recommended that employers embed this support measure within a wider organisational response to domestic abuse, outlined in a workplace domestic violence policy. The policy offers clarity and support to both employers and co-workers in responding to the needs of an employee subjected to domestic violence.
To find information and resources on implementing domestic violence leave effectively visit Women’s Aid, where you will find:
- Policy Template: Workplace Supports for Employees Affected by Domestic Violence
- Guidance Note: Workplace Supports for Employees Affected by Domestic Violence
- Free information sessions for employers to support the implementation of this legislation.
It is recommended that all employers attend the free information sessions run by Women’s Aid, in partnership with Talbot Pierce.
Women’s Aid sees training as a key element in the development of a workplace response to domestic violence and abuse. To ensure that training is a feasible option for all organisations, on 28th November they are holding a training session on Recognising and Responding to Domestic Abuse in the Workplace for staff of organisations with 150 employees or fewer. For further information or to register, please visit: Recognising and Responding to Domestic Abuse in the Workplace.
