What Is, And How Do We Manage Domestic Violence leave?

What is Domestic Violence Leave?

1. The act gives employees affected by domestic violence (could even be a child that they support) the right to take up to 10 days of paid domestic violence leave per year

2. The affected employee can also ask, in writing, for short-term flexible working arrangements, for up to two months

Key Points:

• It doesn’t matter when the domestic violence took place

• Only entitled to it once they have worked for more than 6 months and at least an average of 10 hours a week and must have worked 1 hour each week or 40 hours each month

Quick Glance Process:

• The employer can ask the employee for proof (from police, doctor, support organisation or support person) – must be within 3 days of request

• The employee has 10 working days from request to provide the proof

• Employer must respond within 10 working days of receiving the proof, or initial request if don’t require proof

YOU CAN REFUSE FLEXIBLE WORKING ARRANGEMENT, IF:

• Didn’t get proof within 10 working days, without reasonable excuse (same with leave)

• Inability to reorganise work among existing staff

• Inability to recruit additional staff

• Detrimental impact on quality of work

• Detrimental impact on performance

• Planned structural changes

• Detrimental effect on ability to meet customer demand

If you ever have a staff member request Domestic Violence leave or a flexible working arrangement, and want some advice, please feel free to give Lisa a call on her DDI on 928 4277.