Employers Need to Provide Support to Victims of Domestic Abuse

The letter outlines how employers need to take practical steps to raise awareness of those who are suffering from domestic abuse and procedures should be in place to enable warning signs to be noticed, and to enable workers to access the support they need.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has published a report about this and ACAS has updated its working from home during the coronavirus pandemic guidance to include a section on domestic violence and abuse.

BEIS Report

The Government report considers the measures employers can take to support the victims of domestic abuse. The report considered the following:

• How employers should raise awareness of domestic abuse as a workplace issue. It identified the need for employers to have effective procedures in place to spot the signs of domestic abuse and to signpost concerns to relevant specialist services. It also recognised the fact that the coronavirus pandemic has made it more difficult for those who are being domestically abused, as they no longer are offered access to the workspace which acted as their safe place, whilst also making it harder for colleagues or managers to spot any signs of abuse.
• Best practice for employers, which includes the use of a workplace policy setting out the signs of domestic abuse, roles and responsibilities, education and training, steps to ensure safety in the workplace, flexibility and paid leave. The Government wants to ensure that employers have the tools and resources required to support staff and intends to set up a working group to raise awareness and drive change.
• How employment rights could be used to assist this problem. The Government identified the use of flexible working and annual leave to take time away from work to deal with the impacts of domestic abuse and will consider the further steps that may be taken through a consultation.

ACAS Guidance

ACAS has included a section in their guidance stating that employers have a legal duty of care to their employees and should look out for any signs of domestic abuse and respond appropriately. Employers should support employees who are experiencing domestic abuse, and keep a record of any reports made by employees regarding domestic abuse and what action was taken.

Next Steps for Employers

In light of the Government report and updated ACAS guidance, employers are advised to review their home working polices to ensure that there are appropriate measures in place to support victims of domestic abuse. Employers should also consider developing specific domestic abuse policies. The report recommends appointing Domestic Abuse Workplace Champions, who are trained to spot the potential signs of domestic abuse and to act as a confidante and signposting support services where appropriate.

Our employment lawyers can assist with reviewing or developing your policies  in light of the recent guidance.

For more information, please contact Sharmin Chowdhury in our Employment Law team on 01923 919 373, or complete the form below.