More than 2,500 staff now covered - we think this policy will save lives
Barking and Dagenham Council has become the first London borough to sign up to GMB’s Work to Stop domestic abuse employer charter.
The authority rubber-stamped the deal at a full council meeting last night [Tuesday, June 18, 2019] committing to offering up to 10 days paid leave to employees facing domestic violence or displaying abusive behaviours, to support them in seeking the appropriate help. [Picture attached]
More than 2,500 Barking and Dagenham staff will now be protected by the charter.
The charter calls on employers to support employees experiencing domestic abuse to ensure they will not be disadvantaged at work, will be supported with access to services and information and that all employers train staff to be able to appropriately and confidently support staff.
Data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) for the year ending March 2018, showed an estimated 2.0 million adults aged 16 to 59 years experienced domestic abuse in the last year (1.3 million women, 695,000 men).
This evening we signed up to the @GMB_union Stop Domestic Abuse Employer Charter, showing our commitment as one of the leading authorities to tackling domestic abuse. Find out more here https://t.co/CJT06Olo4m pic.twitter.com/damLiD7kOI
— Barking and Dagenham (@lbbdcouncil) June 18, 2019
Nell Andrew, GMB National Equality and Inclusion officer said:
“We are pleased to see Barking and Dagenham council lead the way in London, as the first local authority to sign the GMB's work to stop domestic abuse charter.
“This commitment, including paid time off, is crucial to make the workplace is a safe environment for those fleeing domestic abuse and ensuring vital support is available whenever it is needed.
“By signing the charter, as an employer, they are sending a strong message to Barking and Dagenham workers: If you experience domestic abuse you will be believed, supported and, importantly, not discriminated against because of it in the workplace.
“We think this policy will save lives.”
Penny Robinson, GMB London regional president and Barking and Dagenham Branch Secretary said:
“Domestic Abuse effects around two million adults a year and as a union, we know what a difference the support of properly trained managers and paid leave to flee abuse can make to workers.'
“Domestic abuse is a workplace issue and we hope this example will be followed by other London boroughs to sign up to the charter and will protect their staff.”
Councillor Maureen Worby, Barking and Dagenham Cabinet Member for Social Care and Health Integration, said:
“This is an issue that is wider than just Barking and Dagenham but we are pleased to be able to sign-up to the GMB charter and be one of the leading authorities when it comes to showing a commitment to tackling domestic abuse.”
