London - Forget maternity leave – women should be entitled to paid ‘menstrual leave’ to boost their motivation in the workplace, a top fertility specialist has claimed.
Gedis Grudzinskas, a professor of obstetrics and gynaecology, believes that female workers who feel under the weather every month should get up to three days off.
He said this should be separate from sick leave as period pains “are not a sickness”.
The Harley Street professor, a leading figure in the field of reproductive medicine, has claimed that Britain is behind the times – as menstrual leave is already legal in Japan, Taiwan and Indonesia, while Canada is discussing the idea.
He said: “Some women feel really grotty when menstruating. Coming into work is a struggle and they feel lousy. When you feel like that, it’s harder to take pride in your work or perform as well. This is about employers being sensible and aware.”
Professor Grudzinskas said he has no time for complaints from men who think women get an easier ride in the workplace. “It’s not men who have to get pregnant, go through IVF and childbirth. Men will just have to understand”, he said.
Like maternity leave, his proposal would mean menstrual leave should not affect career progression, and would run in tandem with normal sick and maternity pay entitlement.
He added: “It would be one to three days each month, separate to sick leave entitlement – it is not a sickness after all.”
The professor went on to say: “The issue goes back 100 years when hygiene facilities were different and when opportunities for women to look after themselves while menstruating were simply not there.
“Today the issue is about enlightenment. Menstrual leave will make people feel happy and comfortable in the workplace, which is a positive thing.”
Professor Grudzinskas told MailOnline that the issue would be a matter of trust between employee and employer.
Asked whether he thought some women would abuse the system, he added: “It’s not a case of policing, it’s about taking it on face value. I see it as an indication of how employers can be sensible to women in the workplace – and keep them there.” - Daily Mail