No plans to introduce statutory domestic abuse leave

Sometimes, it is what the Government decides not to do that is as noteworthy as what it does do. 

Northern Ireland has a system of domestic abuse leave and in 2022, the government started a review looking into whether it should be introduced in Great Britain. Last month, the Government announced that it would not be doing so as "now is not the right time".

Supporting employees in relation to domestic abuse is nevertheless on the agenda of a number of employers and ACAS has a useful guide which states that employers should:

• Look out for signs of domestic abuse
• Respond appropriately 
• Support someone who is experiencing domestic abuse
• Keep records of reports and any actions taken.

It also suggests that employers should consider having a domestic abuse policy which sets out: 

• A clear commitment to taking the issue seriously 
• Common signs of domestic abuse 
• The support available for employees and managers