Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of endometriosis on people's ability to remain in work; and if he will set out what support is available to people who have to leave employment or reduce their hours because of the condition.

For many women, endometriosis can have a significant impact on their lives, by creating more supportive and informed workplaces, we can help ensure that women with endometriosis, and women experiencing other health conditions, can remain in work, progress in their careers, and reach their full potential.

On 1 April 2026, Mariella Frostrup was appointed as the government’s Women’s Employment Ambassador, where she takes a holistic approach to supporting women in the workplace, championing an environment that supports women at every stage of their lives. In this role, the Ambassador works with employers across the country to strengthen workplace support, raise awareness of key health issues and wider challenges affecting women in work, and highlights the vital economic contribution of women.

The Ambassador attended the launch of the Endometriosis (Not) in the Workplace report, supported by Endometriosis UK, on 14 October. In her remarks, she emphasised that supporting women's health in the workplace is not only the right thing to do, but is also vital for retaining talent, reducing inequalities, and strengthening the economy.

In Spring, the government launched voluntary action plans for large employers to improve menopause support and address their gender pay gaps. The guidance highlights where actions to improve menopause support may also benefit employees experiencing other health conditions related to menstrual health, including endometriosis.

The Renewed Women’s Health Strategy for England, published in April, represents a decisive shift towards addressing longstanding failings in women’s health outcomes, experiences, and access to care. It applies the government’s 10 Year Health Plan to women’s health, aiming for faster, more equitable improvements through fundamental reform rather than incremental changes.