Endometriosis can have an impact on people's careers and employment and Endometriosis UK is dedicated to campaigning to ensure all those with endometriosis have the right support in place to thrive at work. We also campaign to ensure that those who are unable to work due to their condition, do not face prejudice or discrimination in accessing the benefits they are entitled to.
Endometriosis costs the UK economy £8.2bn a year in treatment, loss of work and healthcare costs and is an issue that the Government and employers cannot afford to ignore.
Without support from Governments, those with endometriosis may continue to face negative attitudes and discrimination, and a lack of reasonable adjustments. That's why we're calling for the Government to act and ensure everyone with endometriosis has the support they need to thrive at work.
In October 2024, the Government introduced an Employment Rights Bill that aims to cut down on unfair working practices. Endometriosis UK welcomes the Bill, including measures to support those going through the menopause.
We would like to see:
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Menopause action plans to be extended to all those impacted by menstrual health conditions
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Legislation to ensure workers with menstrual health conditions are treated fairly if they need short but intermittent time off work, as a result of their condition.
Our easy to use template will generate an email to your MP using your postcode. Take action today and ask your MP to support our calls to extend the Employment Rights Bill for those with endometriosis.
Click here to view our supporter information pack on the Employment Rights Bill.
Endometriosis Friendly Employer Scheme
Endometriosis UK is dedicated to changing attitudes and working directly with employers as well as Governments to ensure those with endometriosis have access to the support they need at work.
Endometriosis UK runs an ‘Endometriosis Friendly Employer Scheme’ which provides guidance for employers on how to support employees with endometriosis and menstrual health conditions, and work towards improving the work environment in three key areas: Leadership and management support, tackling stigma and changing culture, and communication.
Support for those who are unable to work
Endometriosis UK recognises that not all those with endometriosis will be able to work. Endometriosis UK is also campaigning to ensure that those with endometriosis, or those who are seeking a diagnosis, who cannot work, don’t face discrimination in applying or accessing benefits and statutory support. Nobody should face discrimination due to societal taboos and lack of understanding around menstrual health conditions, including access to Personal Independent Payments (PIP) and other disability allowances.
We are calling on the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure guidance around endometriosis and its impact on work is clear so that those assessing an individual’s application understand the debilitating impact endometriosis can have on a person’s life, and ensure the necessary education among disability benefit assessors of menstrual health conditions.
