Press Release

17^th September 2009

P R E S S R E L E A S E

Domestic abuse is a workplace issue

A ground breaking conference was held in Manchester on Wednesday 16^th September at Sachas Hotel, hosted by the DAWES Project (Domestic Abuse: Women’s Employment Support), part of Greater Manchester Pay and Employment Rights Advice Service.

In the first event of its kind, delegates came together to discuss the issue of domestic abuse, its impact on people’s working lives and on employment practice. A cross section of representatives attended including employers, HR departments, Trade Unions, women’s support agencies, domestic abuse services, the police, and the probation service.

The conference heard speakers from the Women’s Aid Federation of England, the Home Office, Kenworthy’s Chambers and the Co-operative Group – one of only a handful of private sector employers who have adopted a workplace policy on domestic abuse.

Delegates heard about the social impacts of domestic abuse; the government’s latest thinking on employers’ support to victims; potential legal remedies open to employees who may have been unfairly treated as a result of abuse; and a clear business case for adopting a workplace policy.

Delegates’ questions gave some real-life examples of the ways in which domestic abuse affects all levels of the workforce, from the most senior staff to the lowest paid. And also described how workers have been disciplined and even dismissed as a consequence of domestic abuse.

Allison Foreman, who initiated the conference said, “We are delighted that people are beginning to recognise domestic abuse is indeed a workplace issue and intend to press the government to take more action. The DAWES project will continue to support women experiencing problems at work because of domestic abuse, and help employers to adopt workplace policies”

Anyone needing support or information in relation to domestic abuse and the workplace, should contact Emma at the DAWES Project on 0161 839 3236 or go to www.gmemploymentrights.org.uk

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. Allison Foreman is a Coordinator of Greater Manchester Pay and Employment Rights Advice Service and is available for interview, 07791 069 344

2. The DAWES Project (Domestic Abuse Women’s Employment Support) is funded by the National Lottery and is part of the Greater Manchester Pay and Employment Rights Advice Service formerly known as the Low Pay Unit

3. The freephone 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline is 0808 2000 247.

4. The Greater Manchester Women’s Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0161 636 7525