Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has joined the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme.

Run by charity Endometriosis UK, the scheme enables employers to demonstrate ‘their commitment to developing a work environment and culture that enable employees with endometriosis to thrive at work’.

The scheme includes access to guidance to help employers support those with endometriosis and other menstrual health conditions, with the former affecting around one in 10 (over 1.5 million) women and people assigned female at birth across the UK.

Part of the charity’s mission includes raising awareness about endometriosis, campaigning for faster diagnosis and improved access to high-quality treatment, and delivering information through education and employment initiatives.

Among the symptoms of endometriosis, which has a diagnostic time of roughly eight years and 10 months in the UK, are chronic pelvic pain, painful periods, painful bowel movements and pain when urinating, as well as affecting the mental health of those impacted.

Aside from Redcar and Cleveland BC, the other local authorities that have joined the scheme are Cardiff Council, Dumfries & Galloway Council, East Ayrshire Council, Powys County Council, Southwark Council, and Stoke on Trent City Council.

Redcar and Cleveland BC has outlined its plans to appoint Endometriosis Champions as part of the programme, which will involve the designated individuals being trained to deliver support and information in the workplace.

Cllr Ursula Earl, Cabinet Member for Health, Welfare, and Housing, 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.’ Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK said she was ‘delighted’ with the council’s decision to join the team.

She added: ‘By showing its team that they are valued and can expect support and reasonable adjustments to help those with endometriosis and menstrual conditions succeed at work, they will be increasing engagement across the whole of their workforce, ultimately making the organisation more successful.’

Deputy Mayor for Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Cllr Ceri Cawley, said: ‘As someone who lives with endometriosis, I know first-hand the impact this condition can have on every aspect of life, including work.

‘I remember lying in the bath in absolute agony and decided to look for support groups in the area. I couldn’t find a local 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.’

Cllr Cawley intends to form a local endometriosis support group and is also campaigning for other employers to become endometriosis friendly.