Today (1 April 2019) the Domestic Violence - Victim Protections Act 2018 comes into effect providing employees with support at work.

Victims of domestic violence will be able to request up to 10 days additional leave from work a year to manage the effects of domestic violence including making arrangements to ensure their safety and the safety of their children.

In addition, the employee can request a short temporary change for up to two months to their working conditions including location, hours of work, duties and other changes that in the employee’s view would enable them to deal with the domestic violence.

These new entitlements apply to employees who have worked at least 6 months with their employer and an average of at least 10 hours a week.

There are specific requirements for these requests which have to be in writing, and if requested the employee also has to provide proof of the domestic violence.

Please see attached New Zealand Council of Trade Unions fact sheet setting out all the entitlements and requirements for accessing this workplace support.

In unity.
Wattie Watson
Secretary