Support for council workers with endometriosis

The charity Endometriosis UK hopes its workplace scheme will help people in Stoke-on-trent

Women with a chronic health condition in a city will get more support at work after a council said it had become the second endometriosis-friendly local authority in the country.

Endometriosis occurs when cells, similar to the lining of a woman's womb, grow elsewhere in her body and can lead to severe pain and fertility problems.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has joined a national scheme, run by charity Endometriosis UK, to help staff better manage the condition alongside work.

The charity's chief executive Emma Cox said the move showed employees they were "valued" and could expect "support and reasonable adjustments".

As part of the scheme, the council will appoint champions, trained by the charity, to raise awareness of the condition and guide those who need it towards support.

Councillor Lynn Watkins said she hoped other organisations in the city would follow Stoke-on-Trent City Council's lead

Councillor Lynn Watkins said: "This condition can take a physical and mental toll on those diagnosed but we are committed to making our staff feel supported as they navigate balancing the condition with their work."

She added she hoped other organisations in the city would be inspired to join the scheme too.

More than 100 employers have signed up so far, with Southwark Council the only other local authority in England to have pledged its commitment to supporting staff with endometriosis, according to the charity.