Local authority Sandwell Council has signed the Work to Stop Domestic Violence Charter, to support and aid employees who experience domestic abuse.
The council, which employs 4,000 staff, formally signed the Charter at a full council meeting on Tuesday 9 April 2019.
The Work to Stop Domestic Violence Charter was launched in Parliament by the trade union GMB in November 2018. Employers that sign it commit to supporting employees experiencing domestic abuse, to ensure they will not be disadvantaged at work.
The Charter further asks organisations to provide access to relevant services and information, and to ensure staff are trained to be able to appropriately and confidently support affected employees.
Steve Trow, leader at Sandwell Council, said: “This is an important Charter which confirms the council’s support and commitment to staff, residents and businesses in Sandwell on issues that matter to them.”
Sarah James, national women’s lead at GMB, added: “We are pleased that Sandwell Council, one of the borough’s largest employers, [recognises] that domestic abuse is a workplace issue and [is] actively supporting staff who may be affected.
“By signing GMB’s Work to Stop Domestic Violence Charter, [the council is] committing to make the workplace a safe environment for those experiencing domestic abuse and ensuring support is available whenever it is needed.”
