The Government has given the go-ahead for victims of domestic violence to be given paid leave from work.
Equality Minister Roderic O'Gorman announced the introduction of the new scheme to assist victims of domestic violence, with workers affected entitled to five days of paid leave per year. The Government is also set to put in place supports for employers to assist them in developing domestic violence workplace policies, and to better support employees experiencing domestic violence.
The new measures are part of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill, which are hoped to improve family-friendly work practices and support women in the workforce. The bill will introduce the right to request flexible working arrangements for caring purposes for parents and carers, a right to leave for medical care purposes both for employees with children up to the age of 12 and carers, and an extension of breast-feeding and lactation breaks from six months to two years.
