Securitas has signed up to GMB’s Work to Stop Domestic Abuse employer charter, following a campaign by GMB London members in the workplace.
The security giant this week signed the deal, giving 9,000 workers the right to 10 days paid leave when facing domestic violence or abusive behaviours, to support them in seeking the appropriate help.
The charter calls on employers to support employees experiencing domestic abuse to ensure they will not be disadvantaged at work, will be supported with access to services and information and that all employers train staff to be able to appropriately and confidently support staff. [1] Estimates from the most recent Crime Survey for England and Wales year ending March 2020 show 5.5 per cent of adults aged 16 to 74 years, a massive 2.3 million people, experienced domestic abuse in the 12 months prior.
Marcia Durkey, GMB London Activist and Securitas Officer, said: “I am delighted Securitas has chosen to adopt the GMB Domestic Violence Charter. Enhancing the understanding of recognizing domestic abuse in the workplace through the policy is just one of the ways employers can support staff that have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse. This can form a positive working environment for all workers. When staff feel they are supported, they will be confident in approaching their employers for help this can improve their morale, dedication which will have a huge impact productivity in and outside of the workplace. Not only will this be, a reflection of good management practice but also corporate social responsibility.”
Sarah Hayes, HR Director Securitas UK, said: “In Securitas UK we want our people to feel safe, every day, whether they are at home or at work. We want our people to be able to live in peace and with dignity and we take great care in educating our teams about domestic abuse – what it is, what it can be, and how to appropriately support colleagues who are suffering domestic abuse. We recognise how important it is to support people who are living in an environment of abuse in a way that is helpful to them,