Today (15th January 2025), there will be a special debate in the House of Commons in Westminster on the impact of endometriosis in the workplace. Gill Furniss, MP for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough, has tabled the debate so MP’s from across the UK will be able to discuss the issues affecting employees with endometriosis.
One in six people with endometriosis have to leave the workplace due to their condition. This is unacceptable and it's vital that Governments and employers take action to protect those with endometriosis from unfair practices in the workplace. Endometriosis costs the UK economy £8.2 billion per year in loss of work and healthcare costs.
Endometriosis UK welcomes today’s adjournment debate in Parliament and hope that the Government will take note of the changes needed to better support those with endometriosis at work. Nobody should face discrimination at work or risk losing their job because of their endometriosis, and we are pleased that this is being recognised, with an increasing number of employers signing up to Endometriosis UK's Endometriosis Friendly Employer Scheme, and MPs raising this issue in Parliament.
Last year, the Government introduced an Employment Rights Bill that aims to cut down unfair working practices. Endometriosis UK welcomes the measures to support those going through the menopause, but we believe the Bill must go further to ensure measures are introduced to ensure those with endometriosis have the support and protections they need in the workplace.
Endometriosis UK have been campaigning for changes to the Bill to ensure all those with menstrual health conditions, including endometriosis, have access to the support they need. We would like to see:
- Menopause action plans extended to all those impacted by menstrual health conditions including endometriosis
- 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.
Today’s debate is another opportunity to call on the Government to make these much-needed changes.
By contacting your MPs about this, you've helped push this issue up the agenda and now we need the Government to listen! We'll post highlights on social media, or you can watch the debate live here.
