Insurance firm Axa UK has introduced a domestic abuse policy for its approximately 10,000 members of staff, which includes up to five days of paid leave on top of employees’ existing leave allowance.
The leave policy aims to help staff experiencing domestic abuse attend police interviews and appointments, view properties and seek professional advice, without reducing their holiday entitlement.
In addition, Axa UK has launched a support hub, which include education for managers and employees around spotting the signs of domestic abuse, how it is classified, as well as information on how best to help and signposting to external organisations and charities. The hub also provides managers with a dedicated guide around starting a conversation around the subject.
The firm pointed to recent government research which revealed that approximately 2.3 million adults in England and Wales suffered domestic abuse last year, representing a significant increase on the previous year.
The launch of the domestic abuse policy is part of Axa UK’s wider approach to supporting employee wellbeing and engagement, which has also included becoming accredited by Menopause Friendly, for example.
Suzanne Scott, chief people and corporate responsibility officer at Axa UK and Ireland, said: “Supporting the wellbeing of our employees is a priority at Axa UK. This new policy, developed with the help of our internal employee network, Balance, along with the valuable input of employees who have experienced domestic abuse themselves, is a valuable new addition to the services and support we have available.”