One of Ireland’s top banks is offering all staff who experience domestic abuse 10 paid days off.
Those working at AIB will also be provided with five days paid emergency hotel accommodation at the company’s expense if affected.
The bank is also offering staff security assistance to ensure their personal safety on the way to, from and at work, counselling services and the option of a salary advance to assist financially where required.
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In addition, they can also avail of in-house vulnerable customer support to help ensure their financial independence.
AIB Chief People Officer Geraldine Casey said: "We welcome the Work Life Balance legislation. As one of Ireland’s largest employers, we want to show our commitment to stand with colleagues experiencing domestic violence and to ensure that we are creating a culture that keeps the wellbeing of our people to the forefront.
"The enhancements to our policy provide important practical supports and build on the resources that we already have in place.
"Our policy has been informed by the experience of a staff member who was a victim of domestic violence and is now working to improve supports for vulnerable customers.
"We are committed to continue to play our part to support both colleagues and customers impacted by this sensitive societal issue."
Equality Minister Roderic O’Gorman welcomed the move. Speaking earlier today, he said: "I’m delighted to see AIB taking positive steps to support employees experiencing domestic violence.
"The Government has made tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence a priority, and last month the Oireachtas passed the Work Life Balance Act, which will provide statutory entitlement to paid domestic violence leave.
"We know that the response to domestic violence needs to be an all-of-society approach and that is why it is so encouraging to see large employers like AIB taking the initiative and providing such strong support to their employees."
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