Domestic abuse is on the increase. Currently almost 1 in 3 women aged 16-59 will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, and many of these will be employed in some capacity. Currently those employers have no specific responsibility to provide adjustments or support in relation to the impact that domestic abuse has on people at work, and we believe that needs to change.

The Equality Act 2010 currently provides protection to employees who have a ‘protected characteristic’ such as pregnancy, disability, sexuality or religion. This means that their employer has a legal duty not to discriminate against them, but to provide reasonable support/adjustments where appropriate.

People who are experiencing domestic abuse are not currently protected by the Equality Act. This lack of legal protection means that people who are experiencing domestic abuse are often also discriminated against at work, or even sacked, because of issues arising from the abuse. We believe everyone has the right to be safe in their workplace.

Those dealing with the physical, emotional, psychological and financial implications of domestic abuse may need time off work to recover from injuries, meet with police or legal advisors and support traumatised children. Their performance at work may be temporarily affected.

Amending the Equality Act so that it includes domestic abuse will provide greater protection for survivors at a time when they are at their most vulnerable and increase the likelihood that they can remain in stable employment.