8B

1

This paragraph applies if domestic violence has been inflicted on or threatened against a person (“V”) in prescribed circumstances.

2

The Secretary of State must exercise the powers to make regulations under sections 6(4) and 7(4) so as to secure that, for an exempt period, V is treated as—

a

being available for employment; and

b

actively seeking employment.

3

If V has not entered into a jobseeker’s agreement before the exempt period begins, the Secretary of State must also exercise the power to make regulations under section 9(10) so as to secure that V is treated as having entered into a jobseeker’s agreement which is in force for the exempt period.

4

In this paragraph—

• “domestic violence” has such meaning as may be prescribed;

• “exempt period” means a period of 13 weeks beginning no later than a prescribed period after the date (or last date) on which the domestic violence was inflicted or threatened.

5

Regulations may make provision for the purposes of this paragraph prescribing circumstances in which domestic violence is, or is not, to be regarded as being inflicted on or threatened against a person.