Petition urges Government to introduce menstrual leave

A petition calling on the UK government to introduce menstrual leave for women with gynaecological conditions has gathered nearly 75,000 signatures.

The campaign needs 100,000 signatures by 29 January 2026 for a debate in Parliament.

It would allow three extra sick days a year for people with endometriosis, adenomyosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Similar legislation already exists in Spain and Portugal.

Women across Merseyside have spoken about the impact these conditions have on their working lives.

Becca Jade Burrows, 29, from St Helens, has experienced symptoms including heavy bleeding, pain, bloating and nausea for four years while awaiting diagnosis of endometriosis and adenomyosis.

“This is something that should be discussed because when flare ups happen, its impossible to work with the pain you’re in,” she said.

“I’ve recently started a new job and worry about needing to take time off as I’m new, so this would help.”

Liverpool student Molly Nicholls, 20, was diagnosed with stage two endometriosis in 2024 following a diagnostic laparoscopy (a keyhole procedure to look inside the abdomen), having first sought help at age 12.

“It’s just so hard and the pain during flare ups is just excruciating,” she said.

“Most women have more than one gynaecological condition. A lot of people don’t understand how these conditions impact daily life.”

Ceri Bruinsma, 44, a self-employed massage therapist from Liverpool, was diagnosed with umbilical endometriosis, a rare form affecting 0.5 to one per cent of women, after she began bleeding from her belly button.

“I’ve had pain before that feels like when I was in labour,” she said. “Three days isn’t much to ask for.”

The government says it has no plans to introduce menstrual leave, pointing instead to the Employment Rights Bill introduced in 2024 and existing protections under the Equality Act 2010.

Marie Rimmer, MP for St Helens South and Whiston, said: “I have spoken to many women who have lived with the pain of endometriosis for years before being taken seriously.

“No one should be made to feel that their pain is something they just have to put up with.”