Redcar and Cleveland Council has pledged to support its 2,280 employees impacted by endometriosis by joining the endometriosis-friendly employer scheme.
The scheme is run by charity Endometriosis UK. The council will improve its support for its employees who are affected by the disease, as well as breaking down taboos and stigmas around menstrual health.
It will do this by appointing endometriosis champions, who will receive training from the charity to enable them to provide support and information to the workforce.
The council will also train its managers and ensure that employees who experience the mental and physical impacts of endometriosis, and other menstrual health conditions, know what support is available. This can include dedicated policies, private medical insurance plans and employee assistance programmes.
Councillor Ursula Earl, cabinet member for health, welfare and housing at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: “By joining the endometriosis-friendly employer scheme, we show our commitment to breaking down stigma and ensuring that those living with this condition feel supported at work. Endometriosis affects so many people, yet it is still under-recognised and often misunderstood. I’m proud that Redcar and Cleveland Council is taking this important step, and I hope it encourages more organisations to do the same.”
Councillor Ceri Cawley, deputy mayor for Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, and hoping to establish a support group in the borough, added: “As someone who lives with endometriosis, I know first-hand the impact this condition can have on every aspect of life, including work. I couldn’t find a local support group but did find Endometriosis UK. For years, I was forever going to the doctors only to be told it was IBS or a heavy period. I was told all sorts of reasons for this pain, all of them wrong. It needs to be talked about more.”
