Magic circle firm Linklaters has introduced a package of support measures for employees living with domestic abuse, in response to a spike in cases across the country during lockdown.

Staff experiencing domestic abuse will be able to access free emergency accommodation for three nights, plus living expenses; up to 10 days paid leave; a one-off payment of up to £5,000; and one-to-one advice from an economic abuse charity.

Linklaters’ HR team and people managers will also be trained in how to spot and address signs of domestic abuse.

David Martin, global diversity and inclusion partner at Linklaters, said: ‘The future of how and where we work remains uncertain. For now, our homes are now our workplaces and it is clearer than ever that domestic abuse is a workplace issue. The true scale of domestic abuse is unknown, but we know that there are no shields – it is something that impacts people of all ages, income brackets, education levels and backgrounds.

‘We have introduced this comprehensive package of support because we want to send a clear message to any of our people living with abuse that they are not alone, we care, and the help they need is available to them.’