Archibald - Domestic abuse Safe Leave to be delivered within current mandate
Date published:
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has reaffirmed her commitment to introducing paid safe leave for victims of domestic abuse before the end of the current Assembly mandate.
The entitlement, which will provide 10 days' paid leave each leave year for workers experiencing domestic abuse, is intended to help victims access support services, attend appointments and take steps to secure their safety.
The Minister was speaking after meeting members of the Department's Domestic Abuse Safe Leave Working Group, which is helping to develop practical guidance for employers and workers ahead of the introduction of the new entitlement.
Minister Archibald said: "Domestic abuse is a workplace issue, and paid safe leave will provide vital support to workers at an extremely difficult time in their lives. I am committed to delivering the necessary secondary legislation to operationalise safe leave before the end of this Assembly mandate."
She added: "No-one should have to choose between their safety and their job. It is important that this new right is supported by clear, practical and sensitive guidance.
“I want to thank the Working Group members for their expertise and for helping us ensure that the legislation and guidance work effectively for those who need to rely on them, while also supporting employers to understand and fulfil their obligations."
The introduction of Domestic Abuse Safe Leave is a commitment within the Minister's wider Good Jobs agenda, supporting fair and inclusive workplaces while ensuring workers experiencing domestic abuse can access support with dignity and confidence.
Notes to editors:
- For media enquiries contact the Department for the Economy Press Office
- To keep up to date with news from the Department for the Economy, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.