Economy · Jobs & pay · 26 October 2026
NI Executive announces 10 days paid Safe Leave for abuse victims
The Northern Ireland Executive has announced a new right to 10 days of paid Safe Leave for victims and survivors of domestic abuse. The leave is paid at the normal rate and can be taken from the first day of employment. The new right is intended to come into operation in April 2027.
The Northern Ireland Executive has announced the details of a new employment right providing 10 days of paid Safe Leave per year for eligible employees and workers. Minister Archibald stated that no one experiencing domestic abuse should ever have to choose between their safety and their financial security. The definition of domestic abuse covers both single incidents and patterns of behaviour.
Under the plans, the leave is paid at the employee's normal rate of pay. Employees do not need to disclose the specific reason for taking the leave or details of the abuse. Minister Archibald said: "Crucially, people accessing Safe Leave will not have to disclose the particular reason for taking it or details of the abuse they have experienced."
The entitlement is available from the first day of employment. The leave can be taken flexibly, including in half-day increments. The department is developing draft regulations and supporting guidance for employers. The new right is intended to come into operation in April 2027.
Written by StreetOwl from Northern Ireland Executive’s own announcement. It was drafted by StreetOwl’s own model, every figure and quotation was checked by code against the announcement, and it was read and approved by Michael Rossi before it went up. It says what was announced, not what anyone should do about it.
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