Member

I will also take this opportunity to note the new clauses tabled by my hon. Friends the Members for Poplar and Limehouse (Apsana Begum) and for Lowestoft (Jess Asato). The Government recognise the important points raised by both hon. Friends, and the serious impact that domestic abuse has on society, particularly on women and girls. We strongly encourage employers to support staff who experience domestic abuse. Many already do so through their membership of Employers’ Initiative for Domestic Abuse, which empowers employers to tackle domestic abuse. The Bill includes provision to make flexible working easier to request, which we know can be of great help to those experiencing domestic abuse, who may need to take time from work for appointments for domestic abuse-related matters.