To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department operates a regional safe leave policy for employees of Health and Social Care Trusts.

In March 2018 my Department, in partnership with the Department of Justice, produced and issued regional guidance to employers across public, private, voluntary and community sectors.

The ‘Developing a Workplace Policy on Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse’ guidance formed the basis from which individual employers developed their own policies.

HSC Trusts have confirmed that employees who have been subject to domestic and sexual abuse can avail of up to ten days paid safe leave in each leave year. This is in recognition that staff in these circumstances may require time to deal with a number of difficult and challenging matters including handling legal issues, organising to relocate to a safer location or receiving care for physical and psychological injuries as a result of domestic abuse, sexual assault or other related issues.

If additional time off is required, Trusts can allow for safe leave to be taken in conjunction with other types of family-related leave outlined in Special Leave policies.