Supporting Workers Suffering Domestic Abuse - CIPD And EHRC Issue Advice

• Published date: 12 October 2020
• Subject Matter: Employment and HR, Discrimination, Disability & Sexual Harassment, Employee Rights/ Labour Relations
• Law Firm: Veale Wasbrough Vizards
• Author: Ms Helen Hughes

The pandemic has been associated with an increase in the number of men and women seeking help for domestic abuse. New guidance from the CIPD and EHRC explains the importance of employers supporting staff in such extremely difficult personal circumstances.

Managing and Supporting Employees Experiencing Domestic Abuse

The guidance recommends that employers follow a four step framework to support staff:

• recognise the problem
• respond appropriately to disclosure
• provide support
• refer to the appropriate help

The guidance gives a number of key recommendations and stresses that employers should take an empathetic and flexible approach to managing and supporting staff. The guidance does not put the responsibility of counselling staff or solving domestic abuse situations on employers. Rather, it states that employers should be able to signpost professional organisations where staff can seek counselling, legal and financial assistance or make arrangements for housing or childcare.

The guidance also suggests employers should support staff in accessing such help by allowing...