The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has pledged to support colleagues impacted by endometriosis by signing up to the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme.
Through the scheme, which is run by charity Endometriosis UK, MHCLG will improve its support for colleagues affected by the common disease, and break down taboos and stigmas around menstrual health.
MHCLG is the second UK government department to join the scheme, following the Department for Transport.
Endometriosis UK said the diseases impacts the physical and mental health of one in 10 women and those assigned female at birth from puberty to menopause, but that the impact can be felt for life.
Symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, painful periods, painful bowel movements and pain when urinating. Despite being so common, it takes an average of nine years and five months to get diagnosed in the UK, for reasons including lack of understanding of the disease. Earlier this month, a Women and Equalities Committee report highlighted the need for more support in the workplace for those with a range of menstrual and gynaecological health conditions, including endometriosis.
As part of the scheme, MHCLG’s board will be appointing endometriosis champions, who will receive training from Endometriosis UK, to enable them to provide support and information to colleagues.
An MHCLG spokespersons said: “Endometriosis is a debilitating condition that can have an enormous impact on those affected. We are proud to have signed up to the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme to help ensure any of our employees with this condition are supported.”
Emma Cox, chief exec of Endometriosis UK, said she is "delighted to welcome MHCLG to the diverse range of organisations tackling taboos around menstrual health and endometriosis through the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme".
“By showing its team that they are valued and can expect support and reasonable adjustments to help those with endometriosis and menstrual conditions succeed at work, they will be increasing engagement across the whole of their workforce, ultimately making the organisation more successful," she said.