At Endometriosis UK, we know how difficult it can be for those with menstrual health conditions to have the support they need in the workplace. Introducing three-day statutory menstrual leave would certainly help some of those with diagnosed or suspected menstrual health conditions such an endometriosis and adenomyosis, but we want employers and government to go further and recognise the conditions for the chronic diseases they are, deserving of the same level of workplace support as any other illness, such as diabetes or asthma.
We are calling for the Government to implement specific measures that would further support those with menstrual health conditions at work, including the introduction of menstrual health action plans as part of the Employment Rights Bill currently going through Parliament that would provide guidance to better support those with endometriosis at work and an end to absence management systems that unfairly penalise those with the disease.
Endometriosis and adenomyosis symptoms and their severity vary significantly from person to person, for some they can be very mild, requiring less than three days off a month, or no time off at all, and for others there may be a more significant impact.
Employers should recognise the impact the conditions have on their individual employees and adapt their working practices and policies to suit individual needs without the expectation that a mandatory number of days off a month will be all that those with the disease require.
We want those with endometriosis, adenomyosis and other menstrual health conditions to thrive at work without worrying about losing their job, having to change their career, or feel restricted in the type of work they can do because of their condition. That is why we run the Endometriosis Friendly Employer Scheme and hold ‘menstrual health at work’ training sessions, to help employers understand the impact the disease can have and what simple steps can be taken to support those with menstrual health conditions in the workplace.
The Government must also urgently act to improve endometriosis care, so that those with the disease are not stuck on unnecessarily long NHS waiting lists, or waiting on average nearly 9 years for a diagnosis is. It’s vital that employees receive the care they need in the NHS, to reduce the potential impact in the workplace.
