A first for England as council named endometriosis-friendly employer

A South London council has joined a national campaign to support women suffering from endometriosis.

Southwark council is the first in England to join the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme, following East Ayrshire council in Scotland, and Powys county council in Wales, both of which joined in the past year.

Endometriosis is a chronic disease that impacts the physical and mental health of one in 10 women from puberty to menopause, although the impact may be felt for life. 

Symptoms associated with endometriosis include chronic pelvic pain, abdominal bloating, nausea, fatigue, depression, anxiety, infertility and severe life-impacting pain during menstruation.

In collaboration with Southwark-based national charity Endometriosis UK, the council will appoint Endometriosis Champions to serve as a point of support and information for colleagues and update HR policies to provide adequate support.

Julia Parris, an executive assistant at Southwark council, said: “From my experience with endometriosis, it is a debilitating condition which can affect women in so many different ways; physically, emotionally and mentally. 

“Whilst it is a condition that most women learn to live with and navigate on a day-to-day basis, it is important to acknowledge that it can have a profoundly detrimental effect on the world of work and study.

“Working for an organisation that has committed to recognising and supporting staff with endometriosis is so important to me.”

Pictured top: From left, Althea Loderick, Emma Cox, Maddie O’Connor, Kirsty Dutton, Emily Bakosi, Catalina Narvaez Buitrago and Cllr Steph Cryan (Picture: Southwark council)