University of Manchester, health board NHS Western Isles and health, community and youth services provider Metro Charity have become endometriosis-friendly employers.
Run by charity Endometriosis UK, the scheme offers employers that want to tackle taboos around menstrual health and endometriosis a range of resources on managing the condition, employee rights at work, and personal stories, as well as bespoke training on how to best support staff. The charity additionally offers resources for employers on best practice and the law.
The employers will also be able to improve their support for affected employees by appointing endometriosis champions, who will receive training from Endometriosis UK so they can provide support and information to other members of staff.
Other employers that have become endometriosis-friendly and joined the scheme include north London based charity Somers Town Community Association, Brentknoll Veterinary Centre in Worcester, and Park Vet Group, a veterinary practice with four surgeries in Leicester.
Andrew Mullen, deputy executive director of people and organisational development at University of Manchester, said: “As an employer of more than 13,000 staff, we are committed to supporting our workforce and helping employees reach their full potential. That’s why we’re proud to have signed up to become an endometriosis-friendly employer, and we hope we are leading the way for others in our sector.”
Lauren Bramley, chair and founder of University of Manchester’s endometriosis and PCOS staff network, added: “We really look forward to working with Endometriosis UK to continue to break down the taboo around menstrual health in the workplace, and to continue to create more inclusive work practices at the University of Manchester.”
Diane Macdonald, director of human resources and workforce development at NHS Western Isles, said: “We’re delighted to join the endometriosis-friendly employer scheme to ensure we can support those in the workplace with endometriosis, as well as break down taboos about menstrual health. We look forward to working with Endometriosis UK.”
