Endometriosis in the workplace

What is endometriosis?

According to leading charity Endometriosis UK:

"Endometriosis is a chronic and debilitating condition that can cause painful or heavy periods. It may also lead to infertility, fatigue and bowel and bladder problems.

"Around 1.5 million women in the UK are currently living with the condition. It can affect all girls, women, and those assigned female at birth, from puberty to menopause, regardless of race or ethnicity."

Kathryn was writing in response to a social media post from the House of Commons calling for public contributions to a Parliamentary debate. We will return to her story later on.

The MP leading the debate wanted to hear from those living with endometriosis, specifically:

• about their experiences of diagnosis
• what their workplaces had done to support them.

The response

Over 2.6 thousand women responded across Twitter, Facebook and a private survey. There were many common themes which demonstrated how damaging the condition can be:

• Diagnosis often takes years. Many respondents reported doctors dismissing their symptoms and advising taking painkillers

• Endometriosis is not widely known about in workplaces, and many respondents felt they had little support from their employers

• Many reported losing their jobs due to workplace policies on absence and illness

• Many described the negative effects of the condition on their mental health, relationships and wider circumstances

The contributions were summarised into a brief for Alec Shelbrooke - the MP leading the debate.

It featured the main themes to emerge, and quotes from those who had contributed.

Alec Shelbrooke read out four of the stories, and covered all of the key themes which emerged from the contributions.

Several other MPs from across the political parties spoke during the debate. They told their own stories of living with similar conditions, and shared the experiences of their friends, families and constituents who had endometriosis.

The debate gained national attention through celebrities like Emma Barnett and leading charity Endometriosis UK.

Thousands watched the Facebook livestream and some members of the public attended in person:

Here are some highlights of the debate, and statements from some of the MPs who spoke:

• Read a full transcript of the debate on Hansard
• Watch it on Facebook
• Read a House of Commons Library briefing which was prepared for the debate.

Debates in Westminster Hall are always attended by a minister who gives a response on behalf of the government.

In his speech, Minister for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson MP stated that:

• The Office for Disability Issues has recently moved to the Cabinet Office, from where it can ensure a joined-up approach across other Government departments regarding disability issues.
• NHS England has developed a service specification for severe endometriosis under the specialised commissioning area of complex gynaecology.
• The Equality Act 2010 protects workers from unfair dismissal and discrimination, and more must be done to raise awareness of hidden disabilities.
• The Government are committed to promoting flexible working arrangements with employers, reducing barriers to employment for those with health conditions.
• Read his full response on Hansard.