Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has outlined how a new statutory entitlement to 10 days' paid Safe Leave for victims and survivors of domestic abuse will operate in Northern Ireland, as part of her Good Jobs agenda.

Issuing her policy response to a public consultation that closed on 27 September 2024 and attracted 55 submissions, the Minister confirmed six core decisions shaping the right, which is intended to commence in April 2027.

Under the plans, domestic abuse will be defined broadly, covering both single incidents and patterns of behaviour across the full range examined during consultation; the Safe Leave year will, where appropriate, be aligned with how a leave year is determined for annual leave under the Working Time Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016, while remaining a distinct entitlement; the leave can be taken flexibly, including in half-days; notification requirements will be kept to a minimum and individuals will not be required to disclose the specific purpose for the leave or details of abuse; all eligible employees and workers, whether full-time or part-time, will have an entitlement to 10 days of paid Safe Leave in each leave year; and payment will be made at the worker's normal rate of pay.

Minister Archibald said: "No one experiencing domestic abuse should ever have to choose between their safety and their financial security. "Following consultation, I am setting out clear decisions on how this important new employment right will work in practice.

"All eligible employees and workers will be entitled to 10 days of Safe Leave, paid at their normal rate of pay, whether they work full-time or part-time. It will be available from the first day of employment and can be taken flexibly, including in half-days.

"Crucially, people accessing Safe Leave will not have to disclose the particular reason for taking it or details of the abuse they have experienced. I want this entitlement to be straightforward to access, while ensuring people are treated with sensitivity, dignity and respect and that their privacy is protected.

"These decisions reflect the purpose of this legislation: to provide victims and survivors with practical support at a time when they may need it most, and to do so with respect and compassion."

The Department is in the final stages of preparing draft regulations and complementary guidance with its Domestic Abuse Safe Leave Working Group. The guidance will help employers understand their responsibilities, manage requests sensitively and safeguard personal information.

The Minister added: "We are now moving forward with the regulations and guidance needed to put this new right into practice. Subject to the necessary Assembly processes and scrutiny, I remain committed to having the regulations in place before the end of the mandate, with Safe Leave coming into effect in April 2027."

The consultation response can be accessed on the Department for the Economy's website.