Yorkshire Ambulance Service becomes an Endometriosis Friendly Employer

Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust (YAS) has become the first ambulance service in England to sign up to become an Endometriosis Friendly Employer, helping to drive positive change in the workplace for the 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth with endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a common disease where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the body, usually within the pelvic cavity. Each month, these cells react to the menstrual cycle in the same way to those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding. Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way to escape. This leads to inflammation, pain, and the formation of scar tissue (adhesions), and can have a huge impact on a person’s work and career.

The disease can be debilitating and costs the UK economy £8.2 billion a year in loss of work, treatment and healthcare costs.

The Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme is led by the charity Endometriosis UK. By joining the scheme, YAS is committing to ensure that those with the disease can contribute to the best of their ability and pursue their career of choice - this is a positive step for individuals, the Trust and the economy as a whole.

The scheme provides guidance on how to support employees with endometriosis, with employers committing to providing those with the condition the necessary support to thrive at work.

Vicky Pickles, Health and Wellbeing Advisor and Deputy Chair of the YAS Women and Allies’ Network, said: “Our Women and Allies’ Network provides a safe and supportive space for women, colleagues who identify as a woman and male allies, to come together and celebrate women in the workplace, and champion issues that only affect or disproportionately affect women in our Trust. We are proud to have joined the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme, which is an important step in ensuring our colleagues living with endometriosis receive the understanding and support they need to flourish in the workplace.”

Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Yorkshire Ambulance Service to the diverse range of organisations tackling taboos around menstrual health and endometriosis through the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme. By showing their employees 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.”

For further information on what endometriosis is or how to seek support, visit: https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/.