23.9 C
London
HomeLegal InsightDomestic abuse and the workplace

Domestic abuse and the workplace

Article kindly contributed by: Noella Gooden at Grant Saw

Domestic abuse is something that may not be talked about often in the workplace. However, this does not necessarily mean that it has no impact on staff and performance. Whilst domestic abuse is something that may primarily occur in the home, the consequences for victims may have far-reaching impacts on their physical and mental health. This in turn may impact them in the workplace. Victims of domestic abuse may experience changes in behaviour at work, a decline in performance and/or productivity, high levels of absenteeism, or persistent lateness. In line with trends from previous years, the number of domestic abuse crimes recorded by the police in England and Wales in the year ending March 2021 rose by 6% according to the Office for National Statistics. This reflects the upwards trend that has been seen over previous years.

What legislation is relevant?

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 provides that an employer has a “duty to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable the health, safety and welfare at work of all of his employees”.  ACAS is clear that an employer has a duty of care to their employees and should:

  • Look out for signs of domestic abuse;
  • Respond appropriately;
  • Support someone who is experiencing domestic abuse; and
  • Keep a record of incidents at work and when employees report domestic abuse, and any actions taken

What can an employer do to support an employee who discloses that they are a victim of domestic abuse?

Employers should create an environment in which mangers are alert to signs of domestic abuse and be responsive to any disclosures made by employees. Employees should be encouraged to report the abuse and there should be systems in place to allow this to occur. Employees who make a disclosure should be treated in a supportive manner. ACAS recommends that employers consider having a domestic abuse policy.

Employers should be mindful that employees who could be affected are not just those who are presently experiencing abuse, but support may also be needed for people who were previously victims of domestic violence and abuse, and secondary victims of domestic violence and abuse.

Best practice of employers to support employees could include the following:

  • Create a policy setting out the support that will be provided by an employer;
  • Managers and HR should have appropriate training, be available and approachable, and respond to the employee who has made the disclosure in a sensitive and non-judgemental manner;
  • Managers and HR should be trained to be able to signpost the employee to relevant domestic abuse helplines;
  • Consider whether a risk assessment (for the health and safety of the staff member) should be carried out;
  • Consider any issues in relation to confidentiality and information sharing (in general the employee should have a right to privacy, however, in some unusual circumstances the employer may not be able to guarantee complete confidentiality e.g. where there is a health and safety issue and it is absolutely necessary to share information);
  • Take into account the employee’s situation in the context of performance management;
  • Allow special paid or unpaid leave for court appearances, residence move, or other relevant events;
  • Allow an advance on pay to help an employee with an unforeseen situation related to the domestic abuse;
  • Allow the employee where possible to change working patterns, workload and location when needed;
  • Duly consider any flexible working requests made by the employee;
  • Provide a private space for the employee to make phone calls to lawyers, police or helplines;
  • Check that the employee has arrangements for getting safely to and from home; and
  • Signpost the employee to sources of support and any Employee Assistance Programme.

With current hybrid working arrangements seeing more employees working from home, employers should be particularly alert to signs of domestic abuse and respond appropriately. Where victims of domestic abuse are working from home, they may have lost a ‘safe space’ i.e. their workplace, that was previously available to them. Further, the perpetrator of the abuse may also be able to listen in to their work calls.  Where employees are working from home, employers should consider other measures including:

  • Agreeing on a safe mode of communication which the employee can use if needed (e.g. text message);
  • Ensuring that there are daily ‘check-ins’ with the employee; and
  • Measures that will assist employees to communicate working from home, e.g. hand signals or code words.

The circumstances for each employee will be different, so it is important that measures are discussed and developed in consultation with the affected employee.

If you would like to discuss any of these matters further, prepare a domestic abuse policy or create a risk assessment, please feel free to email me or contact the Employment Law team on 020 8858 6971.

latest articles

explore more

183 COMMENTS

  1. And that’s it! That’s the whole look. If you’re wondering when you connect the inner and outer corners, don’t even worry about it. That’s part of the look’s magic, according to Parsons. “You see how it’s all just the outer corner and the inner corner?” she says. “You keep everything else open and that really elongates the eye without there really being a ton of makeup.” Some put a dash of eyeliner in the inner corner of the eyelid for an even more “exotic” effect. Oftentimes, people pull back their temples to give their eyes an even more exaggerated “slanted” look ― a gesture that’s all too familiar to Asians who’ve ever been ridiculed for “chinky eyes” in their childhoods. Julia Fox is a lot of things: actress, mum, bombshell, New York classic, ex-girlfriend of Ye, proud Birkin owner, uncuh jaaaams podcast icon. And she’s also now our favourite beauty influencer, in part due to her recent Instagram makeup tutorial for the infamous graphic ‘fox eye’ she wore during New York Fashion Week last month.
    https://directoryholiday.com/listings12953887/maybelline-brow-precise-micro-eyebrow-pencil-makeup
    we’ll guide you every step of the way to find your perfect routine. Whether you apply makeup every day or only on special occasions, a trusty set of makeup brushes should always be on hand. Shopping for the best makeup brushes, however, may feel like a complicated process while browsing through page after page of online beauty retailers—especially with the many, many different types of brushes available. But selecting the perfect brush doesn’t have to be complicated. Building your collection of makeup brushes and tools is an investment in your beauty routine. With the right arsenal, you can create endless looks, from everyday elegance to bold and dramatic. Explore the world of makeup brushes and tools, and let your creativity shine through every stroke. Stay updated on what’s new

  2. With every thing which seems to be building throughout this specific subject matter, a significant percentage of points of view are fairly stimulating. Having said that, I appologize, because I do not give credence to your whole suggestion, all be it refreshing none the less. It seems to us that your comments are generally not completely rationalized and in simple fact you are your self not really entirely convinced of your assertion. In any event I did take pleasure in examining it.

  3. Hello there! Quick question that’s totally off topic.Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly?My web site looks weird when browsing from my iphone4. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that mightbe able to correct this issue. If you have anyrecommendations, please share. Cheers!

  4. An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this ontoa colleague who has been conducting a little research on this.And he in fact bought me lunch due to the fact that I stumbled upon it for him…lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thanks for the meal!!But yeah, thanks for spending the time to discuss this subject here on your internet site.

  5. Hello there! This blog post couldn’t be written any better! Looking at this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept talking about this. I will send this article to him. Pretty sure he’ll have a very good read. Thank you for sharing!

  6. Good post. I learn one thing tougher on completely different blogs everyday. It’s going to always be stimulating to read content material from different writers and practice a bit of one thing from their store. I’d desire to use some with the content on my weblog whether or not you don’t mind. Natually I’ll offer you a hyperlink on your web blog. Thanks for sharing.

  7. I’m amazed, I have to admit. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both equally educative and engaging, and without a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The problem is an issue that too few men and women are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy I found this in my hunt for something regarding this.

  8. You’re so interesting! I do not believe I’ve read through a single thing like this before. So nice to find someone with some genuine thoughts on this issue. Really.. thanks for starting this up. This site is one thing that’s needed on the internet, someone with a bit of originality.

  9. For all those who consider themselves to be true fans of classic slots, this is the right place. If you have always wanted to have an excellent choice at your disposal, without having to download and tie down only to a specific software provider, take a look at all the games below, which will surely trigger a spark in your eyes! But probably the best thing about this page is that all these exclusive games can be played free of charge – anywhere, anytime you want. So, get into this classic adventure, see what you like best, and don’t worry about money – it’s all free. 6-Reel: You can now find a growing number of 6-reel online casino slots. 6-reel slots often feature many hundreds or thousands of paylines, plus exciting bonuses like stacked wilds and free spins. 6-Reel: You can now find a growing number of 6-reel online casino slots. 6-reel slots often feature many hundreds or thousands of paylines, plus exciting bonuses like stacked wilds and free spins.
    https://fanfunstore.com/entry-level-bets-and-their-payouts-in-aviator-ghana/
    An advantage player is seeking the free games & only the free games. Why? Simply because on Elephant King the payback is heavily weighted on the free games. Every once in awhile a significantly higher dollar amount, highlighted in blue will appear but it’s not worth going after because the prize disk rarely lands on it when it does show up. David E. Taylor is a global minister and has a heart for God and for His people. First and foremost, Pastor Taylor loves God and desires to fulfill His will in the earth today! If you desire the honor of hosting David E. Taylor for your upcoming conferences, seminars, or meetings, please thoroughly complete the form below and a member of his executive staff will get back with you as soon as possible. We are looking forward to connecting and advancing the kingdom of God together!

  10. Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it’s truly informative. I am going to watch out for brussels. I will be grateful if you continue this in future. Many people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  11. I haven’t checked in here for some time because I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I’ll add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here