Ireland is to ratify an international agreement aimed at tackling violence and harassment at work, after Cabinet approval.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention on Violence and Harassment, 2019 is a legally binding instrument that recognises the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment – including gender-based violence and harassment.

Ireland will be the 23rd state to ratify the convention, which comes into force one year after the date of ratification.

The convention protects workers and other persons in the world of work, irrespective of their contractual status – including interns, volunteers, job applicants, and individuals exercising the authority of an employer.

Impact of domestic violence

It applies to the public and private sectors, the formal and informal economy, and urban and rural areas.

Gender-based violence and harassment is specifically highlighted in the convention, and the impact of domestic violence on the world of work is also included.

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar (Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment) said the ILO agreement sent “a further clear signal” to workers and employers that every workplace must be free from harassment and violence.

Damien English (Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail) described the decision as “a milestone” for workers in Ireland.