CIPD consultation response: Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) Act (NI)

The Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) Act (NI), passed in 2022, introduced a new entitlement for employees and workers, who are victims of domestic abuse to up to 10 days paid safe leave in each leave year for the purpose of dealing with issues related to that abuse. This consultation seeks to operationalise these provisions through regulations that meet the needs of victims of domestic abuse and provide guidance to employers to help them understand, manage and fulfil their obligations, in line with the parameters set by the Act.

We believe the entitlement is an important new part of the NI employment law landscape and have made suggestions to make the process as easy and flexible as possible for employees dealing with extremely difficult circumstances.