WRDA welcomes introduction of paid Safe Leave after lengthy wait for implementation

The Women’s Resource and Development Agency (WRDA) welcomes the publication of details for Northern Ireland’s new statutory right to paid Safe Leave for victims and survivors of domestic abuse, which is due to come into operation in April 2027. The new entitlement will provide up to 10 days’ paid leave, available from the first day of employment, enabling survivors to attend court hearings, secure alternative accommodation, access support services, or take other steps necessary to protect their safety and rebuild their lives.

WRDA also welcomes the Department’s commitment to developing guidance for employers and supporting implementation through ongoing engagement with stakeholders. Ensuring that Safe Leave is understood, accessible and applied consistently across workplaces will be essential to achieving the legislation’s intended impact.

WRDA and the WRDA led Women’s Policy Group has long campaigned for Safe Leave and has worked alongside partners, trade unions and government to help shape the legislation and its implementation. However, while this is an important milestone, it has taken far too long to achieve, and we are mindful of the survivors who have been failed by this unnecessary wait.

When the Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) legislation was passed by the Assembly in March 2022, Northern Ireland was a leader in this field amongst the jurisdictions on these islands. In the years since, other jurisdictions across these islands have moved to introduce and implement similar workplace protections. The fact that survivors in Northern Ireland have to wait until April 2027 to access this right is symptomatic of a lack of urgency across our government. Since Ending Violence Against Women and Girls is now a Programme for Government priority, we hope that delays and the deprioritisation of these issues becomes a thing of the past.

While we celebrate this progress, our thoughts are also with the many victims and survivors who have been failed by the delay. For some, access to paid leave could have meant the difference between securing safe accommodation or remaining in danger. Safe Leave is not simply an employment right. It is a measure that can help survivors maintain their economic independence, support recovery and ultimately save lives.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors

• The Department for the Economy announced details of Northern Ireland’s new Safe Leave entitlement on 23 October 2026. The right is expected to come into operation in April 2027.

• The entitlement will provide 10 days of paid Safe Leave per year for eligible employees and workers experiencing domestic abuse.

• WRDA participated in the Domestic Abuse Safe Leave Working Group and has been a longstanding advocate for the introduction and implementation of Safe Leave in Northern Ireland.