Minister vows to deliver safe leave from work Act for victims of domestic abuse

Northern Ireland’s Economy Minister has pledged to deliver a new Act to provide paid leave for workers dealing with domestic abuse.

Stormont passed the Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) Act in 2022 creating a right to 10 days paid leave each year that can be used to deal with issues arising from domestic abuse.

But the new law has not yet been brought into effect.

Trade unions raised the issue with a demonstration outside Parliament Buildings on Tuesday, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls.

Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald joined the gathering, and received a letter calling for the Act to be passed.

She also gave a commitment that the new Act would be delivered in this mandate.

Jacqui White, chair of the Northern Ireland Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), thanked Ms Archibald, and described the Sinn Fein minister as an “ally of the trade union movement”.

She said violence against women and girls was a “scourge on society”, noting that its effects were felt more keenly in Northern Ireland.

“We look at the reasons for this – legacy, history, social media – and it is indeed important to understand the origins in order to establish the solution,” she said.

“We also must take specific steps today, one is to raise awareness, bring it out of the dark and call it out, and that is exactly what each and every one of you are doing today.

“But we also have to back this up with tangible legislation and robust policy.”

ICTU equality officer Clare Moore said that the ability to take paid safe leave from work would make it easier for victims of domestic abuse to continue working and maintain vital economic independence.

Ms Archibald was urged to end the delay in her department, and bring the provisions of the Safe Leave Act into effect as soon as possible.

Responding, Ms Archibald said her department was working on the regulations and guidance for the Act.

She said this work was happening alongside the Good Jobs Bill, which she described as the biggest upgrade to employment law since the Good Friday Agreement.

“I completely understand your desire to see this law enacted, and my team is working hard to deliver on both pieces of legislation,” she said.

“I am determined that we get it delivered. Both pieces of legislation will be enacted as soon as we can, and certainly within this mandate.

“My commitment to you is I will get this done as soon as possible but, importantly, as effectively as possible.”