People experiencing domestic violence or at risk of domestic violence are now entitled to five days of paid leave from work under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023.
Workers are not obliged to show evidence of domestic abuse to their employer, and employers should demonstrate discretion and sensitivity when such a disclosure is made by a worker. The objective of the leave is to allow the work to obtain supports during working hours; this might include obtaining court orders, obtaining legal or support service advice, accessing healthcare or counselling or sourcing alternative housing.
The legislation is a European first and is a beginning in ensuring that victims of abuse are not excluded from or penalised at work. It recognises that serious problems at home can spill over into an employees working life creating a duty on employers to create a supportive workplace.
The above is provided for information purposes and is not intended as legal advice. We, at Fitzsimons Redmond LLP, act for both employers and employees. We would be happy to talk to you about your rights and responsibilities in the workplace. Please contact us on 01-676 3257.
By Lisa Quinn O’Flaherty
Partner at Fitzsimons Redmond LLP
