An MP has called for every workplace to have domestic abuse policies to ensure survivors receive “life-changing support”.

Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson said more employers could do and the government could do more to support those going through “a very difficult time in their lives”.

Independent MP Apsana Begum, who lost the Labor whip in July for backing an SNP motion on welfare policy, also raised concerns about the lingering gender pay gap.

The MP for Poplar and Limehouse told the Commons: “The APPG (All Party Parliamentary Group) on Abuse and Domestic Violence was reconstituted this week and as Chair I am delighted to report that at our first meeting we heard from survivors and organizations that support them. survivors who are at work.

“The Minister will be aware that the gender pay gap persists and agrees with me that more could be done to support survivors in the workplace, such as domestic abuse policies in every workplace of work and considerations for paid leave and flexible working?

“So that survivors can get the life-changing support they need and continue to stay in work.”

During questions on women and equality, Ms Phillipson replied: “I agree with (Ms Begum) and I would just add to her, before I came to this place, I ran a refuge for women and children affected by domestic violence.

“During that time I saw some very good examples of where employers were able to support women going through a very difficult time in their lives.

“There is more that we can ask of employers, there is more that we, as a government, are committed to, especially in areas such as the gender pay gap action plan that we will take forward and halving violence against women and girls.”

Elsewhere, Equality Minister Jess Phillips said it was a “total myth” that rape and sexual assault victims could not receive mental health support while they waited to give evidence in court.

This came in response to Independent MP Shockat Adam, who said a constituent of his who had been raped in 2021 had been told she could not access mental health support pending her trial in 2026.

The MP for Leicester South said: “A member of mine came to see me a few weeks ago due to stress, as you can imagine, she was a rape victim in 2021. She has now been given an appointment in 2026 for her final. the verdict to be heard. I’m sure the whole house will agree with me, which is completely unacceptable.

“The question I would like to put to the minister is that she was denied access to mental health support during this time because it could affect her defence, so I would like to ask the minister what her view is on this matter?”

Ms Phillips replied: “I would like to make it very clear from this despatch box that if you are awaiting trial, it is a total myth that you cannot access mental health support.

“I would like to see this removed permanently across all agencies. It’s something that has crept in over the years…and I ran a rape crisis service that certainly served people who were awaiting trial.

“So, as her Member of Parliament, I would reject that claim and say it’s definitely not politics.”