Barking and Dagenham Council has become the first council in the capital to back the GMB Union’s domestic abuse charter.
Launched last year, the charter calls on organisations across the country to support employees affected by domestic abuse by making sure they are not disadvantaged in the workplace and by providing staff with the appropriate training.
The decision to support the agreement was made at the council’s Cabinet meeting, which was held this evening (Tuesday 18 June) at the Town Hall.
It is the latest in a number of steps taken by the council to tackle domestic violence.
We are pleased to be able to sign-up to the GMB charter and be one of the leading authorities when it comes to showing a commitment to tackling domestic abuse.
Councillor Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Health Integration, said: “This is an issue that is wider than just Barking and Dagenham but we are pleased to be able to sign-up to the GMB charter and be one of the leading authorities when it comes to showing a commitment to tackling domestic abuse.”
The council is also working with national charity Hestia, as part of the Everyone’s Business Initiative, to provide specialist support and training to develop workplace advocates.
As well as this, the council recently funded an initiative offering free legal advice to residents experiencing domestic abuse and earlier this year started offering up to 10 days paid leave to employees facing domestic violence or displaying abusive behaviours, to support them in seeking the appropriate help.
Tackling domestic violence remains one of our top priorities for Barking and Dagenham and we are determined to do all we can to provide support for the people who need it most.
Cllr Worby added: “Tackling domestic violence remains one of our top priorities for Barking and Dagenham and we are determined to do all we can to provide support for the people who need it most.”
Barking and Dagenham has one of the highest rates of domestic abuse in London, with 12.6 offences per 1000 of the population, according to the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime for the year to March 2018.
Nell Andrew, GMB National Equality and Inclusion Officer, said: “By signing GMB’s Work to Stop Domestic Abuse charter, Barking and Dagenham Council are committing to make the workplace a safe environment for those experiencing domestic abuse and ensuring vital support is available whenever it is needed.”