Archibald sets out details of new paid Safe Leave right
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced how a new right to 10 days paid Safe Leave will operate for victims and survivors of domestic abuse, as part of her Good Jobs agenda.
Publishing her policy response following consultation, the Minister confirmed six key decisions that will shape the new employment right, which is intended to come into operation in April 2027.
Under the plans:
- domestic abuse will be defined broadly, covering the full spectrum of behaviours consulted on and encompassing both single incidents and patterns of behaviour;
- the Safe Leave year will, as far as appropriate, be aligned with how a leave year is determined for annual leave under the Working Time Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016, while remaining a distinct and separate entitlement;
- Safe Leave can be taken flexibly, including in half-days;
- Notification requirements will be limited and those taking Safe Leave will not have to disclose the particular purpose for taking the leave or details of the abuse;
- all eligible employees and workers will be entitled to 10 days of paid Safe Leave in each leave year, whether they work full-time or part-time; and
- Safe Leave will be paid at the employee or worker’s normal rate of pay.
Minister Archibald said: “No one experiencing domestic abuse should ever have to choose between their safety and their financial security.
“Following consultation, I am setting out clear decisions on how this important new employment right will work in practice.
“All eligible employees and workers will be entitled to 10 days of Safe Leave, paid at their normal rate of pay, whether they work full-time or part-time. It will be available from the first day of employment and can be taken flexibly, including in half-days.
“Crucially, people accessing Safe Leave will not have to disclose the particular reason for taking it or details of the abuse they have experienced. I want this entitlement to be straightforward to access, while ensuring people are treated with sensitivity, dignity and respect and that their privacy is protected.
“These decisions reflect the purpose of this legislation: to provide victims and survivors with practical support at a time when they may need it most, and to do so with respect and compassion.”
The Department is now in the final stages of developing the draft regulations, alongside supporting guidance being developed with its Domestic Abuse Safe Leave Working Group.
The guidance will support employers in understanding their responsibilities, handling requests sensitively and protecting personal information.
The Minister added: “We are now moving forward with the regulations and guidance needed to put this new right into practice. Subject to the necessary Assembly processes and scrutiny, I remain committed to having the regulations in place before the end of the mandate, with Safe Leave coming into effect in April 2027.”
The consultation response is available on the Department for the Economy website: https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/articles/domestic-abuse-safe-leave-public-consultation-departmental-response