Period poverty is on the rise, with an estimated 2.8 million people affected.
Some Key Facts
- 41% of women affected by period poverty keep sanitary pads or tampons in for longer to save money.
- The average person who menstruates spends between £10-£15 per month on period products, not including those who also have to supply for any dependants.
- Of those affected by period poverty said they were prioritising other everyday basics over the period products they need with 60% needing to prioritise food and 48% having to prioritise gas/electricity.
- 24% sacrificed period products for themselves so they could afford period products for their dependant.
- 14% of those affected said they have avoided or missed work during their period.
UNISON believes that in 2024 no one should be suffering from Period Poverty and yet statistics show this is the case as the cost of living crisis continues. The Regional Welfare Committee want to see all employers in London providing free period products for staff in their workplaces, and are launching a campaign asking all branches in the region to:
- Approach employers and ask if this is something they are willing to fund using these key facts to help you
- Survey UNISON members using this example survey here
- Publicise the campaign using newsletters, emails, promotional items etc
- Encourage Welfare officers and Women’s officers to lead on this campaign
- Use the campaign to recruit and organise in your branch
We’ve seen some great success stories from branches across the region who have now achieved this in their workplaces, but it is still a very small amount of employers doing so and we believe employers can do more!
If you have any questions about the campaign, or would like to share a win your branch has had please contact Rachael Johnson r.johnson3@unison.co.uk as the Welfare Committee Lead.
