Business department joins Employers' Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA) and calls on more businesses to do the same
As part of a wider look at what employers can do to enhance the support for domestic abuse survivors, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has now joined the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA) as a Beacon member.
Becoming an EIDA Beacon will increase the support for employees who may have been victims or at risk of domestic abuse, by raising awareness and education among staff, as well as providing additional resources and advice.
The announcement follows a wider BEIS consultation, aimed at increasing support for victims of domestic abuse across the UK, including a recent report in January 2021 looking at workplace support.
The report found that few employers have been aware of the signs of domestic abuse, and an even smaller number have a clear policy in place to support survivors.
Joining EIDA is a quick and free step employers can take towards furthering their support for victims of domestic abuse.
Business Minister Paul Scully said:
The benefits of becoming an EIDA Beacon include:
BEIS joins several organisations already part of the Beacon programme. For more details on the current membership, please see the EIDA website.
Earlier this year, in an open letter to all UK employers, Minister Scully outlined key steps they can take to build awareness of domestic abuse and ensure they are noticing warning signs, and help workers access the support they need.
Elizabeth Filkin CBE, Chair of the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse said:
Notes to Editors
You can find out more about EIDA and join for free on the EIDA website.
View the national domestic abuse helpline.
There is also a range of free guidance for both employers and employees to support domestic abuse survivors in the workplace, including toolkits from organisations such as:
It is also free to join the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse.