Vodafone Foundation has today launched its “” handbook, which outlines that they will be offering employees, who are victims of domestic violence, up to 10 days of paid leave. The handbook will apply to all geographical regions that the company operates in.
Vodafone’s Domestic Violence Paid Leave Initiative
By offering employees paid leave, Vodafone has said that the time off work will allow domestic abuse victims to get any necessary counselling they require, go to Court or Police appointments, move home, and if any children are involved in the relationship, to provide parental support to them.
The handbook’s author, Dr Jane Pillinger, commented:
“More and more companies today are taking the initiative to provide support and paid leave for employees affected by domestic violence and abuse – this helps victims to safely stay in their jobs and to progress in their careers.”
The company has also said that they will be providing specialist training to their human resources managers, who can then provide support to the employees who have suffered domestic violence.
Vodafone Survey
Vodafone’s new policy is partly as a result of research that the company undertook which alarmingly found that:
- 37% of respondents had experienced some form of domestic abuse; and
- That 67% felt that the abuse had affected their career prospects and progression.
The research gave focus to the effects of domestic violence on career progression and surveyed 4,715 people across the UK, Ireland, Turkey, Germany, South Africa, India, Kenya, Spain and Italy.
Director of Vodafone Foundation, Andrew Dunnett, commented:
“The results of our research shows the significant impact of domestic violence and abuse on people at work, affecting confidence, self-esteem and career progression. It also reveals how employers can help.”
In addition to the new handbook, Vodafone has also announced the expansion of an app, called Bright Sky, which provides victims of domestic abuse with support and guidance.
Comment
Good employers will support their employees who are victims of domestic abuse. Employers are advised to consider whether domestic abuse is an issue in cases of absence or under performance and to be supportive in these situations. This can be very difficult for employers who do not have the resources or training to know how to handle these situations. We can provide advice and support to employers and managers in these scenarios.
How Can Nelsons Help?
Laura Kearsley is specialist Employment Solicitor at Nelsons.
For further information or to comment on this article, please contact a member of our Employment Law team in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.