Publication by Danske Bank of workplace Domestic Violence policy a welcome development

Press Statement from the Financial Services Union

Publication by Danske Bank of workplace Domestic Violence policy a welcome development says FSU.

The Financial Services Union (FSU) has welcomed the publication today by Danske Bank of a domestic violence workplace policy which was negotiated with the Union over the last number of months. Danske Bank is the first Bank in Ireland to publish a comprehensive document that deals with domestic violence as a workplace issue.

Commenting on the publication Mandy La Combre, Senior industrial Relations officer with the FSU said:

“We welcome the publication of this policy. We have known for some time that survivors of Domestic Abuse have been harassed and abused by their perpetrators in their places of employment. Domestic violence is an issue that effects an increasing number of our population, the figures in relation to how many people experience Domestic Violence has risen dramatically during the current pandemic, and Unions have been aware for some time of how Domestic Violence can affect the working lives of our membership, therefore the launch of this policy is even more timely during the current pandemic.

Danske Bank is the largest Bank in NI, the stigma of Domestic Abuse can best be addressed by leading employers adopting such policies and giving example. This policy agreed with the FSU outlines practical measures to help and support those who are suffering domestic violence abuse.

Special paid leave, access to confidential counselling services, flexible working arrangements, information and subject matter training for all staff, are among the main practical support mechanisms outlined in the policy, Also included is signposting to a diverse range of support services.

We acknowledge the commitment, hard work and co-operation of Danske Bank and look forward to seeing the policy carried out in practice, and similar policies being adopted by leading employers throughout the sector and beyond”.

ENDS

Contact: Brian McDowell, Head of Communications and Public Affairs, FSU. Tel: 087-9161225. Email: brian.mcdowell@fsunion.org.

Note to the Editor

Mandy La Combre, Senior industrial Relations officer with the FSU is available for interview

About FSU: The FSU is Ireland’s leading union across banking and finance. We represent thousands of staff across the main retail banks, and we have members in more than 70 companies across the finance and fintech sectors. Our members are spread across the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Great Britain. We are headquartered in Dublin and we also have a presence in Belfast. We are members of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and UNI Global finance union.