Workplace support for survivors of domestic abuse

The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has launched a review of employment rights for survivors of domestic abuse (https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/support-in-the-workplace-for-victims-of-domestic-abuse-call-for-evidence). 

The review will look at options to improve the workplace for survivors, including how employers can help tackle economic abuse, such as the payment of wages to a different bank account or making emergency salary payments available to those in real financial hardship. 

BEIS will explore examples of best practice from employers within the UK as well as the approach taken in other countries to see how the UK’s current employment framework could be enhanced. 

To start the review process, BEIS has made a call for evidence on the specific employment needs of domestic abuse survivors and how they are met by current employment rights and practices. 

The deadline for submissions was the 9th September 2020 and the BEIS will report by the end of 2020. 

The following questions have been posed:

• what practical circumstances arise in relation to domestic abuse and work?
• what support can be offered in the workplace for victims of domestic abuse?
• what is possible with the existing framework? 
• what does current best practice look like?
• what is the potential to do more?