September 5, 2018
Domestic Violence Service Providers and Stakeholders
On September 1st, 2018, new regulations of the Employment Standards Act came into force which provide for Domestic, Intimate Partner or Sexual Violence Leave. Employees may be able to access this leave if they are a victim of domestic violence, intimate partner violence or sexual violence or if their child is a victim.
As this leave is very new, individuals who could benefit from such leave and employers may not be aware of it. The Employment Standards branch of Post-secondary Training and Labour have a fact sheet which helps explain this new regulation, who is eligible, what the leave is and how long it is, what portion is paid leave, notice requirement and confidentiality provisions. You can find the fact sheet at https://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/petl-epft/PDF/es/FactSheets/OtherLeaves.pdf
The Women’s Equality Branch has also created a fact sheet to help support employers and those who may need to access the new leave. It helps to provide further information to explain what is domestic intimate partner violence and sexual violence, the impacts on a workplace, how one can help and tips to enhance safety.
This fact sheet can be found at https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/women.html.
Please feel free to share this information with your clients, partners and stakeholders.