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Private Member’s Bill proposes “safe leave” for domestic violence victims
A Labour MP, Alex McIntyre, presented a Private Member’s Bill to the UK Parliament this week to introduce an entitlement to 10 days’ paid safe leave for victims of domestic abuse. On introducing the Bill, he explained that, according to SafeLives, a charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse, approximately 2.1 million people in the UK have experienced some form of domestic abuse. Although the majority are women, this includes men too. He referenced the “cost of safety” which means victims may find that they cannot afford to leave an abuser. Taking time off work can contribute to that financial burden whether leave is for medical treatment, finding a new place to live, attending court hearings, seeking legal advice, or taking children to safety. The proposed right to paid leave is intended to give victims time to seek help and also avoids the need to call in sick or use annual leave. The Northern Ireland Assembly has already passed legislation to introduce at least 10 days of safe leave and have consulted on implementation of this new right. McIntyre also points to the Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the Philippines whose citizens have a right to time off work because of domestic abuse. The Bill would almost certainly need government support to become legislation, but this is a realistic possibility given international precedent and its commitment to tackling violence against women. Although the Bill has still to be published online, it will be a proposal for framework legislation, needing both further consultation and implementing regulations. SafeLives has a training page for employers which may be helpful to those proactively considering support for domestic violence victims.
EU Member States implement Women on Boards Directive
The deadline for Member States to implement the EU’s “Women on Boards” Directive passed on 28 December 2024. The Directive sets targets for certain employers to require at least 40% of non-executive director posts, or 33% of all director posts, to be occupied by the under-represented sex by 30 June 2026. The EU requirement would apply to large employers listed on stock exchanges. Employers with an EU footprint will want to be aware of the requirements of local implementation in Member States. Although the Directive was not incorporated into UK law, the Financial Conduct Authority has also set out relatively new requirements for listed companies to set out in their annual reports whether they have met board diversity targets.
UK moves ahead with digitalisation of the border and of immigration status
2025 sees the transition to eVisas and an expanded Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme. On 31 December 2024, non-British and non-Irish nationals living in the UK became subject to eVisas as Biometric Residence Permits (BPR) expired. The move towards digital immigration status will not make a significant difference to UK employers; there is no obligation to carry out retrospective right to work checks, for example. However, follow-up checks may be due for workers whose BRP was manually checked but has now expired. Individuals are encouraged to register for an eVisa where they have not already done so, and to ensure that their eVisa is linked to their passport (especially before international travel). Information for travellers, including details of a passenger support line, are available here: Media factsheet: eVisas – Home Office in the media.
On 8 January the UKVI launched the expanded ETA scheme, which now includes a much larger cohort of visitors to the UK (including those visiting from USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand). Visitors included in the new scheme should obtain ETA before travel in order to avoid delays on arrival (and possibly even refused entry). The scheme will expand to European nationals on 2 April, with applications open for that group from 5 March. Applications are low cost and should be straightforward: Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) - GOV.UK.
The following groups will not need ETA:
• British nationals
• Irish nationals
• UK visa holders or those with permission to stay (they should continue to rely on their existing status)
• Nationals of countries who are not within the ETA scheme (they must continue to apply for a UK visit or other visa ahead of travel)
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