Outrage at wage discrepancy for those with endometriosis
Our founder has slammed compassionless bosses after new statistics showed a diagnosis of endometriosis meant an average monthly pay cut of £130.
Dr Anita Sharma also claims that Government figures (1) showing sufferers had far less chance of gaining a full-time job displayed that “sickness prejudice” was rife in the UK job market.
And the founder of the Endometriosis Awareness North campaign reminded employers that their actions were plunging patients into a pit of financial and emotional despair.
“It is hard for anyone in these difficult times to make a living, but when you add to that equation being in a disadvantaged area and still lingering prejudices around women in the workplace – and you can see how hard it is” said Dr Anita Sharma, “now it appears having endometriosis blocks advancement and even getting a full-time role – quite disgraceful!
With a few tweaks in the way that they work, bosses could change all of this and pay and promote via merit – not just attendance.”
Noting working lives had been made more flexible during and after COVID, Anita said: “Adaptability and agility is now supposed to be the name of the game, with work life balance and the wellbeing of employees, paramount. Yet there doesn’t seem to be much of that in evidence, here.”
Although undoubtedly requiring medical appointments, endometriosis in the workplace can be managed by:
· Allowing employees to work remotely and flexibly, so that they can make up time missed and not have to be in the office on particularly bad days
· Build-in contingency plans for ANYONE off sick so that their role doesn’t grind to a halt
· Educate your employees about endometriosis and even encourage them to campaign on awareness of the issue.
Members of Dr Sharma’s Endometriosis Awareness North team have experienced a real mixed bag when it comes to the workplace, with only organisations such as Metrolink and Greater Manchester Police embracing the call for change.
Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when cells normally growing in the womb occur elsewhere in the body, adhering to organs which can include the lungs and even the brain. Despite affecting one-in-ten women, awareness is pitiful and constant wearing pain can provoke serious mental health conditions.
Endometriosis Awareness North is currently conducting a series of workshops on the subject in schools and crucially, at a Lancashire businessman’s conference, shortly.
“I have seen some really great businesses go out of their way to help those receiving cancer treatment and the Government is even getting its act together on menopause in the workplace” concluded Dr Sharma. “We are yet to see this happen with endometriosis, which is once again, the forgotten condition. Along with educating medics and raising awareness amongst the population we will now have to persuade those making decisions at organisations, that having endo is no reason to suffer inequality of pay or career progression.”
Warriors – make sure you take the screen test
Our founder Dr Anita Sharma has joined forces with campaign ambassador nurse Lucy Bowker, to discuss the link between ovarian cancer and endometriosis.
Are those living with endo more susceptible to the condition? And what are the symptoms to look out for?
Following a breakthrough session with South Asian women on breast cancer in Greater Manchester, Dr Anita also expounds on the importance of screening plus details a recent visit to Bangladesh to dispel stigma around gynaecology.
Go to Blogs
Another eminent doctor takes the chair
Dr Zaibun Nisa Khan, is the latest expert to help women living with endometriosis – through our campaign.
From the world-renowned St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS foundation Trust, Dr Khan will be speaking at our GnRH webinar on Monday 17 February (7pm).
Dr Khan joins an impressive array of medics that have so far backed us. They include endo, fertility, mental health and maternity experts – go to about us.
Find out what we're really about, on film
Click onto our brand new movie, detailing what Endometriosis Awareness North is all about Endometriosis Awareness North - YouTube
Featuring our treasured case study Courtney, it also gives medics a platform to call for quicker diagnosis of endometriosis.
With thanks to filmmakers Andrea Bertozzi and Pete Gibson Media.