Hi again folks,
I'm delighted this Forum exists; it's the best thing for Endo since "sliced bread"! Women NEED to be able to discuss problems such as Endo (and other Gynae complaints) openly, and honestly. They need to be able to talk frankly, with no fear of embarrassment. Forums such as this provide that opportunity, as they are populated by women experiencing similar issues. There's something about shared experiences that leads to greater empathy...
Anyway, I'm asking if any women would be happy to contact me about a particular issue. As I've started to find my way around this Forum, I've noted a particular, and VERY DISTURBING, theme... Women with Endo (and other Gynae issues) are finding it hard to get support at work. Employers seem to be lacking in information, and understanding.
Now, I'm NOT saying this is always the case; there are a few stories from women who have had lots of support and encouragement at work (obviously, they are the lucky ones!). There are also stories from women who are self-employed, and therefore have totally different experiences from women who work for an employer. Some women report working for the Private Sector, and others for the Public Sector.
What I have noted, however, is that women are DEFINITELY HAVING DIFFICULTIES. Those who are self-employed say that although they can manage their own working patterns to take account of when they feel ill, or well, they struggle with the fact that they get no sick pay or other support when they have to take time off because of their symptoms. Women who work for employers often seem to indicate that they feel under pressure to return to work before they are fully fit. Others indicate that they are not given enough support, such as part-time hours or flexible home working. "Reasonable adjustments" are not made for those who cite disability legislation. Yet more feel threatened with dismissal because of cumulative time off work. It is clear that women do not feel supported, and that employers are NOT doing enough to provide support.
I have further noted a worrying trend; in that it seems predominantly to be PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYERS who are LEAST supportive. This is very disturbing, because these jobs include the NHS, Social Services, Youth Work, Child Care, Education... JOBS THAT CALL THEMSELVES "CARING" ... SURELY any job where the staff are supposed to care, is a job where the employer should care for the staff?
It would appear that many employers are less than helpful, because Disability Legislation is unclear as to exactly what constitutes a "disability", and many employees are not fully aware of their rights. Furthermore, employers seem to vary considerably in the level of support they are prepared to offer - some are willing to accept employee's explanations of their symptoms, and to accept them as evidence of disability; others deny any evidence of disability at all, and literally force employees to take the matter to Tribunal. This inconsistency is very disturbing, and suggests evidence of prejudice.
I would like to ask if there are any women who would contact me, with their experiences of having Endo (or other Gynae issues/Infertility) and work. I am concerned that, in the midst of the Recession, women with health problems such as Endo are NOT getting a fair deal, as far as employment is concerned. AND, because Welfare Benefits are under attack, those women who cannot work because of symptoms, are finding themselves stuck "between a rock and a hard place" - unable to work, but also finding it increasingly hard to get benefits.
I intend to collect together women's experiences (which WILL BE MADE ANONYMOUS) and to send them with a covering letter to my Local M.P., to National Government and to the Department of Work & Pensions. I want the Government, and employers, to understand that people with long-term health conditions, and disabilities (such as Endo) cannot be "scapegoated". NOBODY asks to be ill, or to have a disability; so it is wrong, and cruel, to make it difficult for such people to find work, whilst also making it difficult for them to secure benefits.
I have already set up an E-Petition asking for better and quicker treatment for women with Gynae complaints and/or Infertility. I'd be delighted if readers would sign it (it can be found at the post called "Please consider signing my E-Petition). However, I still want to do MORE to help... so, if I can collect together women's experiences and send them to Parliament, I hope I have a REAL chance of explaining to those in power what it is like to live daily with an illness you did not ask for. Perhaps, then, women (and their families) will get the help and support they so need and deserve.
Anyone interested in helping me can e-mail their stories to elaine-ellis1@hotmail.co.uk
I thank you all in advance...
Elaine Ellis.
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