Great Britain: Government launches a review to ensure support for employees who are victims of domestic violence in the workplace

Launched on 09 June, this 3-month survey (email submissions to domesticabuse.employmentreview@beis.gov.uk open until 09 September) includes round tables, e-mail submissions from employers in response to open questions and outstanding issues, as well as a study of best practice. The aim is to update UK labor law in this area. Business Minister Paul Scully explained, “It will build the evidence base for possible future action by government and employers, to ensure that survivors are properly supported at work.” Among the avenues mentioned were possibilities for victims to work flexibly or to take unplanned leave. Employers could also be encouraged to adopt a company policy on this issue and to guide managers and teams on how act so that workplaces offer protection and moral support. Finally, to tackle ‘economic abuse,’ companies could, for example, pay a victim’s salary to a different bank account or make emergency salary payments if necessary. Peter Cheese, Chief Executive of the CIPD (The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, human resources professional body) explained, “Domestic abuse is a societal issue, but also a workplace issue. (…) EHRC research also finds that 75% of those enduring domestic abuse are targeted at work, from harassing phone calls and abusive partners arriving at the office unannounced.” EHRC = Equality and Human Rights Commission