Endometriosis Workplace Support — [Geraint Davies in the Chair]

Endometriosis affects over 1.5 million women in the UK with symptoms ranging from chronic pain and fatigue to infertility, yet awareness and support remain insufficient. The stigma associated with endometriosis often prevents women from taking time off or requesting flexible working conditions due to fear of losing their job or being dismissed as having a 'woman's problem'. Alex Davies-Jones highlighted the importance of education in supporting those affected and praised Wales for establishing a task and finish group under a Labour Government to review endometriosis services. She called for further support from the UK government to ensure fair adjustments in workplaces.

The hon. Member discussed her personal experience with endometriosis, noting the difficulties of diagnosis and treatment. She highlighted that it takes an average of eight years for women to be diagnosed in the UK and emphasized the impact on daily activities and employment. The MP also pointed out statistics from a report indicating that 55% of people with endometriosis take time off work and 27% miss out on promotions due to their condition.

Mr Poulter thanked Ms Bardell for her speech and acknowledged the powerful manner in which the right hon. Member for Elmet and Rothwell had spoken earlier. He asked what supportive measures Ms Bardell's employer took to aid her, with suggestions that these could inform Departmental actions to address endometriosis-related workplace issues.

The issue of endometriosis is about conditions but also a basic lack of compassion for women. Dr Rosie Baruah backed the British Medical Association's call for period products to be provided in all NHS staff toilets, highlighting the need for understanding and policies not just for endometriosis but also periods. Ms Bardell highlighted the systemic discrimination against women suffering from endometriosis, emphasizing that if this were a man's issue, there would likely be more attention and action. She praised local groups like Endo Warriors West Lothian for their relentless support and awareness efforts. According to her, 55% of sufferers had taken time off work due to the condition, with 38% fearing job loss and 35% experiencing reduced income. Ms Bardell also mentioned that endometriosis is on the NHS's list of top 20 chronic pain conditions but receives little recognition. Hannah Bardell briefly noted positive workplace examples in endometriosis support, such as BBC Scotland becoming an 'endo-friendly' workplace. She highlighted the work of Fiona Stalker, a journalist and presenter who supports this initiative. Will the Minister give us an indication of when that women's health strategy will be implemented, because there has been a delay. She also wants to ensure it addresses employment and DWP issues which are not devolved to Scotland but reserved to Westminster.

Jim Shannon highlighted the long diagnosis period for endometriosis, noting that it often takes eight years. He mentioned that one of his staff members has been waiting over two years for a consultation for surgery with no success so far. Shannon emphasized the need for employers to have guidelines to support women suffering from endometriosis and the importance of flexible working conditions. He also pointed out the mental health impacts of the condition on sufferers, their families, and those around them.

Justin Madders acknowledged the comprehensive introduction by Alec Shelbrooke and highlighted the importance of education on women's health issues. He praised Bell Ribeiro-Addy for sharing her personal experiences and emphasized the need for workplace rights to be respected. He also stressed that endometriosis is a mainstream issue affecting 1.5 million people and meeting the definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010. Madders mentioned that more than half of women with endometriosis have taken time off work due to their condition, leading to job insecurity for many.

The SNP's Marion Fellows thanked the right hon. Member for Elmet and Rothwell for bringing the debate on endometriosis, emphasizing its significance as a man brought this issue forward. She highlighted issues such as statutory sick pay reform, awareness raising, and intersectional approaches to women's health, advocating for increased support from the UK Government in line with Scottish initiatives.

Ms Owatemi highlighted the need for better workplace support for those living with endometriosis, advocating for job security and flexibility. She called for a reduction in waiting times for diagnosis and investment in treatments, urging the Government to take the issue seriously through their women's health strategy.