DEESIDE'S Assembly Member is urging Wales to lead the way on paid leave for victims of domestic abuse.

All public sector organisations in north Wales are being encouraged by Jack Sargeant AM to offer paid leave for victims of domestic abuse.

Mr Sargeant made the call following the news that Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government and Delyn AM Hannah Blythyn had written to all devolved public services to highlight a joint statement by the Workforce Partnership Council - which supports paid leave for members of public sector staff experiencing domestic abuse.

The joint statement recognises the profound impact domestic abuse can have and asks devolved public service organisations to make an explicit commitment in their special leave or domestic abuse policies to provide paid leave for staff experiencing domestic abuse.

The Alyn and Deeside AM said: “I often say that public services would be better named, human services because they are about delivering for people. They should understand that people need support at difficult times in their lives.

“Survivors of domestic abuse can be faced with a range of practical concerns from the need for medical, legal or financial advice, to arranging child care or alternative accommodation.

“Paid leave is an essential part of supporting affected staff and offering reassurance they will not lose out while they navigate these difficult circumstances.”

The Workforce Partnership Council’s (WPC) joint statement on paid leave for staff experiencing domestic violence said: “The WPC believes that such policies provide survivors with peace of mind, support and gives them vital reassurance that they will not be financially penalised as they deal with the effects of domestic abuse.

“The WPC recommends devolved public service organisations in Wales commit to workplace policies that offer a flexible and sympathetic approach to staff experiencing domestic abuse.”