At a full meeting of the Council yesterday (Wednesday) a proposal to begin work on the drafting of a new Menstruation Policy as well as a commitment to enhancing the Menopause Policy was agreed on. The latter has been in place since South Lanarkshire became the first local authority in Scotland to introduce the support in 2018. 

In addition, councillors have also approved a proposal which will see the organisation sign up for the ‘Time to Test’ campaign, led by Jo’s Cervical Trust. The charity recently unveiled the results of research which found that one in three females don’t attend cervical screening when invited; with 20% of those who work full-time citing lack of access to a convenient appointment. 

Raising awareness of, and encouraging the council’s female workforce to attend, cervical screening testing through membership of the Time to Test Campaign can, it's hoped, ensure equality of access to these potentially life-saving appointments. 

Councillor Joe Fagan, Leader of South Lanarkshire Council, believes the introduction of vital support across a range of women’s health issues will significantly improve the work-life balance of the authority’s more than 11,000 female employees.

He added: “Almost 75% of those who work for South Lanarkshire are female and each of those might struggle at certain times in their lives as a direct result of issues that are unique to women’s health. 

"No responsible employer can choose to ignore the importance of such issues or of the part they play in the lives of so many of those providing the services our communities rely on. 

“With that in mind, I was delighted that the full council unanimously agree that as an organisation we have a significant role to play in raising awareness and providing practical and emotional support as well as removing the stigma or taboo that can be attached to women’s health issues.” 

Councillors were also told that South Lanarkshire could become the first council in Scotland to be formally recognised as a Menopause Friendly employer by widening and enhancing its existing policy.  

Added Councillor Fagan: “Becoming an accredited Menopause Friendly employer will further highlight the council as a modern employer, striving to support employees through the menopause journey.

"This is important to us on many levels, not only in retention and recruitment of staff at all levels but by making sure the women who already work for us can trust that, at this stage of their lives, as with all others, the council will support them. 

“Equally, there can be similar stigmas and taboos associated with the full menstrual cycle. That’s why we believe it makes sense, through the proposed introduction of a menstruation policy, to create a more open and supportive culture, enabling those experiencing difficulties with their periods to feel they have support in the workplace.”

Prior to drafting the proposed new policy, council officers will draw upon work already being done by the Scottish Government, NHS Scotland, and the University of Glasgow to ensure any final plan is both practical and meaningful.