Wigan Council and its partners have launched new guidance to assist local businesses to support their employees who may be suffering from domestic abuse.
Last year we implemented a Domestic Abuse Employee Policy to ensure managers have a consistent approach to responding and dealing with domestic abuse when disclosed by staff members. The policy outlines what support employees can expect as a result.
Wigan Borough is one of the highest areas across Greater Manchester for domestic abuse incidents and that’s why Wigan Council, the Police and its partners are committed to reducing and preventing domestic abuse incidents across the Borough.
Domestic abuse and violence may happen behind closed doors but it has far reaching consequences and is known to have an impact on the working lives of those living with an abusive partner. For those suffering abuse at home, the work place is often a place of refuge and safety.
The facts
- Domestic abuse costs UK businesses £1.9 billion per year in lost productivity
- Statistically at least 10% of your employees are likely to be victims or survivors of domestic abuse every year
- 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men are likely to experience domestic abuse in their lifetime
- In the UK, in any one year, more than 1 in 5 victims take time off work and 2% lose their jobs as a direct result of the abuse
- Domestic abuse impacts on productivity and performance – 56% of abused women arrive late for work at least 5 times and 58% miss at least 3 days of work a month.
To help businesses to think about domestic abuse and how they can play their part in both supporting and signposting employees to services, we have written a guidance document to assist them in implementing a workplace policy.
Workplace guidance
The guidance document provides low-cost, practical tips for managers on how to support an employee who may be suffering from domestic abuse.
Having a policy will clearly demonstrate to your staff that domestic abuse will not be tolerated within or outside the work place. Not only will this be a reflection of good management practice but it will also demonstrate your commitment towards corporate social responsibility.