Thousands of workers with debilitating condition to get DWP support

MPs listed all the support channels available and a few coming soon

Employees living with health conditions and disabilities are entitled to a range of support from both their employer and the Department for Work and Pensions. Liberal Democrat MP Victoria Collins raised questions about the extent of this provision, asking what steps the DWP is taking to “help support people with endometriosis in the workplace in Harpenden and Berkhamsted constituency.”

Liberal Democrat MP Victoria Collins enquired about what measures the DWP is implementing to “help support people with endometriosis in the workplace in Harpenden and Berkhamsted constituency.”

In reply, Labour MP Dame Diana Johnson confirmed these workers would gain from the reforms outlined in the Get Britain Working White Paper. She particularly highlighted assistance for disabled people in the workplace, which encompasses those with endometriosis, such as WorkWell, which will be introduced across England over a three-year period.

She stated: “Disabled people and people with health conditions are a diverse group so access to the right work and health support, in the right place, at the right time, is key. The Government is committed to supporting disabled people and people with health conditions, including women with endometriosis, with their employment journey.

“Individuals unable to work due to endometriosis may be eligible to receive Statutory Sick Pay from their employer which, from April becomes payable from the first full day of sickness absence.”

Following recommendations from the Keep Britain Working Review published last November, the DWP has collaborated with Vanguard employers to trial how best to promote good health at work, with women’s health being a key priority.

Dame Johnson added: “Women’s health directly impacts economic participation, with health issues being the leading cause of lost working time for women. We have been inputting into the Women’s Health Strategy renewal to ensure women being in work is a positive health outcome.

“This includes a commitment to adopting a women’s health across the life course lens as part of the partnership with Vanguard employers in the Keep Britain Working Vanguard Phase.”

Some other work support for disabled people the MP listed were:

• Work Coaches and Disability Employment Advisers in Jobcentres
• Access to Work grants
• Employment Advisors in NHS Talking Therapies
• Individual Placement and Support in Primary Care
• Connect to Work (in the process of being rolled out)

Endometriosis can be a severely disabling condition. It develops when tissue resembling the womb lining grows in other parts of the body, though medical professionals remain uncertain about the underlying cause.

These tissues respond to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, resulting in inflammation, discomfort and scarring. According to Endometriosis UK, it impacts approximately one in 10 women, with diagnosis typically taking an average of eight years and 10 months.

Symptoms of endometriosis:

• Pelvic pain
• Painful periods that interfere with everyday life
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Pain during or after sex
• Painful bowel movements/when having a poo
• Pain when urinating/peeing
• Difficulty getting pregnant
• Fatigue

Fatigue, with one or more of the above symptoms These symptoms can affect employment, as staff may experience diminished productivity, more frequent absences for medical appointments and possible career setbacks owing to the persistent pain and exhaustion that endometriosis brings.

Specialist Advisor Jo Hanley offered guidance for employees living with endometriosis, suggesting they discuss modifications that might enhance their work performance, such as scheduled rest periods, flexible hours or working from home to manage symptom flare-ups and minimise unplanned sick days wherever feasible.

She added: “Remember, it may not always be possible for your employer to automatically agree to adjustments or flexible working requests as it may not be possible within the organisation. However, a conversation is the first step to working together towards a more supportive working environment.”