Northern Ireland's Domestic Abuse Leave Stalled

0:00On March 26, four years ago, the Stormont Assembly passed a private member's bill to give domestic abuse victims up to 10 days of paid leave each year. Sponsored by former Green Party MLA Rachel Woods, it got royal assent quickly, but has not yet taken effect. Earlier this week, Economy Minister Saim Archibald announced new regulations for paid leave after a miscarriage starting next month. This gives workers and their partners up to two weeks off, making Northern Ireland the first region here to offer such support. Woods expressed disappointment and confusion over the hold-up, especially since miscarriage leave moved so fast. Carmel Gates, head of the largest public sector union in Northern Ireland, voiced concerns too, saying the delay shows a lack of urgency on a vital issue. A consultation on the domestic abuse leave rules launched in July 2024, but more than 18 months after passage, nothing has. Changed, Woods now works in the third sector and can't explain the stall.

1:02The Department for the Economy promises to roll out the measures within the Assembly mandate, which could help victims stay employed and send a strong message against abuse.