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Petition for Paid Menstrual Leave Passes 100,000 Signatures, Triggering Commons Debate

Ministers reject a new leave entitlement, citing employment reforms alongside disability protections.

Overview

  • The UK Parliament petition has crossed the 100,000 threshold, requiring an MPs' debate and a formal response from the Department for Business and Trade.
  • Started by Michelle Dewar, the campaign seeks up to three days of paid leave each month for people diagnosed with endometriosis or adenomyosis, following Portugal’s 2025 model.
  • The government says it has no plans to introduce statutory menstrual leave for these conditions.
  • Officials point to the forthcoming Employment Rights Bill, which would make Statutory Sick Pay payable from day one and make flexible working the default where feasible.
  • Guidance notes that severe cases can meet the Equality Act 2010 disability definition, requiring reasonable workplace adjustments, while the petition remains open until January 29 with a debate date to be set.