Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to improve working conditions for people living with endometriosis.

The Government is committed to prioritising women’s health. Tackling the barriers that women face in the workplace, including those around managing their health and wellbeing, is at the heart of the growth mission.

As part of the Employment Rights Bill, we are taking the first steps towards requiring large employers to produce action plans outlining the steps that they are taking on the gender pay gap and menopause support. In formulating plans, we want to recognise that there are actions that can help people in a range of circumstances, including women managing reproductive health conditions such as endometriosis, for example providing and promoting flexible working. They will also open up space to have discussions about health, and in particular women's health, more broadly in the workplace. The Employments Rights Bill will also strengthen the existing day 1 right to request flexible working, and will improve access to Statutory Sick Pay by removing the Lower Earnings Limit and removing the waiting period.

Also, an Office for National Statistics research project is investigating the impact of endometriosis on women’s participation and progression in the workforce. This vital project will improve our understanding of the issue and inform future Government policy.