UK to look at offering 3 days of menstrual leave a month
MPs are set to debate a petition calling for statutory paid menstrual leave for people suffering from debilitating conditions like endometriosis and adenomyosis, as campaigners push for workplace reforms modelled on recent changes abroad.
The petition, titled “Introduce Statutory Menstrual Leave for People with Endometriosis & Adenomyosis,” has gathered more than 109,000 signatures, triggering a parliamentary debate scheduled for 13 April.
It calls on the UK government to introduce up to three days of paid leave per month for individuals with a valid medical diagnosis of conditions such as endometriosis or adenomyosis, following Portugal’s introduction of a similar policy in 2025.
Endometriosis and adenomyosis are chronic conditions that can cause severe pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, fatigue, and other symptoms that significantly impact daily life and work for millions of people in the UK.
Advocates argue that current sick leave provisions are inadequate, as they often require employees to use general sickness absence or annual leave, potentially leading to stigma, financial strain, or discrimination.
The petition, launched by Michelle Dewar, specifies that the leave should be available to those with a confirmed diagnosis, with safeguards including confidentiality and protections against workplace discrimination.
It emphasises providing a single annual medical certification rather than monthly proof to reduce administrative burdens.
In its official response last August, the government stated it has “no plans to introduce menstrual leave” for these conditions, acknowledging the “hardship they cause” but pointing instead to broader employment rights reforms aimed at helping people manage health issues at work.
Global precedents and the debate ahead
Several countries have already implemented forms of menstrual or period leave, though approaches vary:
- Japan has had a policy since 1947 allowing women to take leave for menstrual pain, though uptake has historically been low.
- Indonesia provides for two paid days of menstrual leave per month.
- Spain became one of the first European countries to introduce paid menstrual leave in recent years for those experiencing severe symptoms.
- Portugal’s 2025 model, specifically referenced in the petition, has drawn attention as a potential blueprint for targeted support for diagnosed conditions.
In the UK, the issue has gained traction amid growing awareness of women’s health conditions. Campaigners from groups like Endometriosis UK have highlighted how symptoms are often dismissed or minimised in workplaces, contributing to higher rates of absenteeism, presenteeism, and career setbacks for affected individuals.
The upcoming debate, organised by the Petitions Committee, will not end in a vote on the petition’s specific demands but will allow MPs from all parties to discuss the issues, question ministers, and explore potential policy responses.
A government minister is expected to respond, providing an opportunity for further scrutiny of existing support mechanisms under employment law, such as reasonable adjustments for disabilities.
