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Employment: Periods

Asked by Kirsteen SullivanLabour (Co-op)Women and EqualitiesTabled Answered 24 September 2025UIN 75089

The question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps she is taking to ensure that (a) regulations and (b) guidance for the Employment Rights Bill will require relevant employers to consider whether people with menstrual health conditions are adequately supported by workplace equality action plans.

Answered by Seema Malhotra

We recognise the impact that many different conditions related to menstruation can have on a woman’s ability to perform at her best; introducing action plans will encourage steps that benefit women with these conditions. Crucially, we believe that plans will open up space to have broader discussions about women’s health in the workplace.

In formulating action plans, and accompanying guidance, we will recognise that there are actions that can help people in a range of circumstances. Officials have been engaging with employers as well as a range of organisations in the women’s health space, including those looking specifically at menstrual conditions, as part of policy development. They will continue to do so as the work progresses, and when devising supporting guidance.

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