Hayley Locksley spent her childhood months in the sick room at school, managing excruciating pain that doctors dismissed as normal menstrual discomfort. Now 40, she has been forced to leave her career as a special needs teaching assistant because her condition, endometriosis, has made her physically unfit for the role.
Locksley, from Shefford in Bedfordshire, was diagnosed with the condition at age 24. Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the uterus, causing severe pain and other complications. Despite loving her work with children, her employers questioned the validity of her symptoms and pressured her to use annual leave to cover sick days.
After undergoing surgery and switching to less physically demanding office work, she faced further scrutiny from colleagues who questioned her frequent absences to the restroom. She explained that the condition caused her bladder to not empty fully, leading to severe pain and digestive issues. She described the experience as humiliating.
Her situation is not unique. A new inquiry by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Endometriosis found that nearly half of women with the condition have lost income due to their symptoms. The report, based on interviews with more than 6,000 women, revealed that 97% had worked while in severe pain, and 28% had left their jobs entirely.
Systemic failures in diagnosis and support
Locksley’s journey to a correct diagnosis took years. Doctors initially removed her appendix, believing it was the source of her pain, before eventually identifying endometriosis. This pattern of misdiagnosis is common, with many women enduring a decade of agony before receiving proper care.
Carla Cressy, a 35-year-old from Essex, experienced similar delays. A former model, she collapsed frequently on shoots before retraining as a beauty therapist. Her endometriosis went untreated for ten years, progressing to frozen pelvis disease and destroying her reproductive organs. She required bladder reconstruction and a total hysterectomy.
Dr. Rebecca Mallick, an endometriosis surgeon, described the inquiry’s figures as shocking but not surprising. She emphasized that women should not have to choose between their health and their careers, calling for meaningful action from both healthcare providers and employers.
Employers lack understanding of women’s health
The inquiry highlighted a significant gap in workplace knowledge. While 94% of women reported that employers lacked a good understanding of endometriosis, half received no workplace adjustments. Among 250 employers surveyed, 72% stated their organizations provided no training or guidance on women’s health issues.
Faye Ramsey, founder of the support organization Girls Anatomy, noted that women often face unrealistic expectations when managing their condition alongside work. She argued that absence policies should not treat women with medical conditions the same as able-bodied employees. Ramsey is calling for more endometriosis-friendly recognized employers and better protection for women during probation periods.
Matthew Percival, director of future of work and skills at the Confederation of British Industry, stated that businesses are increasingly aware of women’s health issues. He suggested that firms are keen to explore ways to support employees without hindering their careers, reflecting a wider shift toward improving workplace wellbeing.
The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the devastating impact of the condition on women’s lives. A spokesperson agreed that the inquiry’s findings highlight the need for better support in both healthcare and the workplace, noting that the government is working with employers to improve awareness.
For Locksley, the loss of her job has had a profound effect on her mental health. She now uses a walking stick and suffers from severe back and leg pain. She remains uncertain about her future in the workforce, wondering if she will ever be able to return to the classroom.
“Endometriosis has taken so much from me,” Locksley said. “I don’t want to be in this position. To be told at 40 years old that I’m not fit for work, I’m now left wondering, is that it for my working life?”
Source: BBC
