Fully Paid Domestic Violence Leave to commence in the Autumn
The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, has outlined that victims of domestic violence will receive their full pay if they need to take domestic violence leave.
The provision for domestic violence leave is a new entitlement under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 passed earlier this year and provides for five days of paid for those impacted by domestic violence. Employees seeking to avail of this type of leave will have to disclose the nature of the leave to their employer but will not have to provide evidence beyond that.
Domestic violence leave will be formally introduced in the autumn with the publication of regulations setting out the rate of pay and guidance for employers. Part of this guidance will include supports for employers to develop their own domestic violence workplace policies, which will be published at the same time as the leave is commenced.
The decision on the rate of pay was reached following consultation with employers’ representatives, trade unions and domestic violence support organisations. The requirement to consult with domestic violence support organisations on the rate of pay was added to the legislation at Report Stage by Minister O’Gorman to ensure that those who work most closely with victims of domestic violence would have the opportunity to contribute their views to the process.
Regulations to give effect to the rate of pay will be published in the autumn and section 7 of the Act will then be commenced.
Call to Action
Organisations should prepare a draft policy for the new statutory leave ensuring the details of which are communicated to all staff once commenced in the autumn.
Employment Regulation Order for workers in the Security Industry signed by Minister
On August 25th, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for Business, Neale Richmond, signed an Employment Regulation Order for the Security Industry.
The Order for the new ERO will become effective on September 4, 2023, and from that date workers in the sector will have a new minimum rate of pay of €12.90 per hour.
Announcing the new Employment Regulation Order, the Minister cited that approximately 16,000 workers will see their minimum rate of pay rise from €11.65 to €12.90 per hour.
Employment Regulation Orders
Employment Regulation Orders (ERO) are instruments drawn up by a Joint Labour Committee (JLC), adopted by the Labour Court, and given statutory effect by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The ERO fixes minimum rates of pay and conditions of employment for workers in specified business sectors: employers in those sectors are then obliged to pay wage rates and provide conditions of employment not less favourable than those prescribed.
Where an ERO applies, a prescribed notice must be posted up in the place of employment setting out particulars of the statutory rates of pay and conditions of employment for the sector.
An employer of workers to whom an Employment Regulation Order applies must keep records of wages, payments, etc., and must retain these records for three years.
Any breaches of an Employment Regulation Order may be referred to the Workplace Relations Commission for appropriate action.
If your Organisation requires support, advice or guidance on developing and implementing policies and procedures, employee relations support or details of the supports provided under our HR and H&S Partnership Programmes contact our expert-led team at Adare Human Resource Management.
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