Safe leave is European first
South Ayrshire Council has become the first local authority in Europe to offer paid leave to staff who are victims of domestic abuse.
The new “safe leave” policy will see staff receive up to 10 days of paid absence to gain help and support for themselves and their families.
It follows a motion from councillors Laura Brennan- Whitefield and Brian McGinley to adopt the bill, which was unanimously backed by the region’s 28 councillors.
Inspired by domestic violence legislation in New Zealand, the leave will support employees to attend medical appointments and counselling, attend legal proceedings, seek safe housing and visit support agencies.
Ms Brennan- Whitefield, SNP member for Ayr North, said South Ayrshire was “setting an example” by implementing the policy.
She told the Post: “Domestic abuse can affect anyone at any time – it affects both men and women so this is inclusive regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
“I think as it was unanimously agreed at full council that this issue is on people’s radars.
“I think for a long time there has been a stigma around domestic abuse. In my moving of the motion, I talked a lot about psychological abuse, mental abuse, which is often hidden and isn’t connected in the same way physical abuse has been over the years.
“People associate domestic abuse with physical violence so I think the fact we’re now engaging our managers in this process of training is really positive.
“I’m very proud we’re the first council to do it .
“I feel like we’re leading the way and hopefully other organisations follow and that there’s a momentum around this.”
Mr McGinley echoed his colleague’s views, adding that they have a responsibilty to support employees. He said: “I think as a council, not only are we responsible as an employer to support and look after our staff, we also have a responsibility to get the issue into the public domain.
“Employers need to be sympathetic to circumstances, especially because our employees and their employees will be their best assets.
“As an employer, we need to make sure that what pays their bills is safe and secure and they’re not having to take holidays or rely on going off sick.
“It’s recognised that this is a circumstance that is temporary, that can be overcome and they can get back in charge of their life – and that’s so important.”
Hazel Bingham, manager of South Ayrshire Women’s Aid, added: “It’s essential that council employees know they will be fully supported when they approach their manager or colleagues about making use of safe leave.
“We’re proud to be working in partnership with the council to deliver training and support to ensure there is a clear understanding of the complexities of domestic abuse and employees can make the best use of the safe leave available to them.”