Tesco Ireland to offer paid leave for staff suffering through domestic abuse

Today, Tesco Ireland made the official move to provide five days of paid leave to any employees suffering from domestic abuse.

The new policy includes no requirement for workers to submit proof of the abuse, given the difficulty and insensitivity this could lead to.

Tesco Ireland Chief of Staff, Natasha Adams, told The Irish Times that it is vital that employees feel their finances stable when seeking to confront or leave abusive relationships.

“Paid leave is an essential factor in escaping domestic abuse as victims sometimes need to prepare to leave the abusive relationship through attending support services, legal services, and counselling; looking for a new place to live and making necessary childcare arrangements," said Adams.

Tesco further asserted that there will be no minimum service requirements for employees who seek leave– paid time off can be taken in whatever increment necessary and will not be included in sick leave.

The new policy also extended bereavement leave to include early pregnancy loss leave for partners and those involved in surrogacy.

These store changes come as legislators seek to implement these policies nationwide. Set out in the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill of 2022, Senator's and TD's are currently drafting legislation that will make all workers eligible for abuse leave.

The new laws will also offer five days of paid leave for caring purposes and will give caregivers the right to request flexible hours. Breaks for lactation and breastfeeding will now also be permitted up to two years after birth.