Rachel Woods MLA’s Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) Bill will have its Consideration Stage debate in the Assembly today.

The Green Party NI MLA for North Down said: “My Safe Leave Bill was introduced to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse, and I believe that it has the potential to save lives.

“Domestic abuse is a workplace issue, and it is important that measures are in place to support affected workers, including workplace policies, resources and support for workers and employees.

“This Bill will ensure that victims and survivors of abuse will have the right to 10 days’ paid leave from work each year, should they require it.

“It follows a growing recognition of the need to provide this type of leave, which was introduced in New Zealand in 2018, and locally in councils in Wales and Scotland. Safe Leave has also been adopted as a policy by some private sector companies in Northern Ireland.

“Following public consultation, extensive scrutiny from Stormont’s Economy Committee, and discussions with the Economy Minister, I have welcomed a series of amendments to strengthen the legislation, which I hope all MLAs will support.”