Is Endometriosis Covered Under UK Disability Law?

Summary

• Endometriosis can be a disability under UK law if it has a substantial and long-term impact on a person’s ability to carry out normal daily activities. 
• It is not automatically classified as a disability, and each case depends on the severity and impact of symptoms. 
• Where it qualifies, employees are protected under the Equality Act 2010, including protection from discrimination and a right to reasonable adjustments. 
• This guide explains whether endometriosis is covered by disability law for employers and business owners in the UK, prepared by LegalVision, a commercial law firm that specialises in advising clients on employment law.
• It provides a practical explanation of legal tests, employer obligations and risks when managing employees with long-term health conditions.

Tips for Businesses

Assess the impact of the condition, not just the diagnosis. If it meets disability criteria, provide reasonable adjustments such as flexible work or rest breaks. Avoid treating performance or absence issues without considering the condition, and document all decisions carefully to reduce discrimination risk.

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On this page

• What is Endometriosis? 
• What Are the Effects of Endometriosis?
• What is Disability Law? 
• Does Disability Law Cover Endometriosis?
• Key Takeaways
• Frequently Asked Questions

Endometriosis is a chronic condition that may qualify as a disability under UK law if it has a substantial and long-term impact on an employee’s ability to carry out normal activities. For your business, this creates legal risk, as failing to recognise when the condition meets this threshold can lead to discrimination claims, tribunal proceedings and uncapped compensation. You must assess the impact of the condition carefully and consider reasonable adjustments where required.  This article explains when endometriosis is considered a disability in the UK and what obligations this creates for employers.

What is Endometriosis? 

Endometriosis is a painful condition that one in ten UK women suffer from. It occurs when cells commonly found in the uterus are abnormally present throughout a woman’s pelvic area and operate according to her menstrual cycle. As a result, this can create bleeding in the pelvic area, causing:

• inflammation;
• pain; and 
• scar tissue to form.

What Are the Effects of Endometriosis?

Endometriosis can have many different effects on a woman’s body. If one of your employees has this condition, they may suffer from:

• chronic pain;
• heavy periods;
• bladder issues;
• bowel problems;
• nausea;
• a lack of energy or fatigue;
• feeling depressed;
• feeling isolated;
• not being able to conceive; and 
• difficulty keeping to social commitments.

Due to the severity of the condition, employees with endometriosis may also have difficulties carrying out their job roles. For example, they may find it challenging to stand or sit for a long time or perform demanding physical tasks. 

What is Disability Law? 

The Equality Act 2010 explains disability law in employment. This act defines the legal meaning of disabilities and protects those who meet the criteria for discrimination in an employment setting. 

Some conditions and illnesses, such as cancer, are known as disabilities, so those with them have automatic protection. However, other conditions must meet the criteria. 

A disability is where a person has either a:

• ‘physical or mental impairment’; and 
• this ‘has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities’.

‘Impairment’ refers to a reduction in physical or mental ability; ‘long-term’ means more than 12 months or can affect them for their whole life. 

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Does Disability Law Cover Endometriosis?

Endometriosis can be considered a disability under disability employment law. This is because it is a physical impairment that meets the second limb of the definition, having a ‘substantial and long-term adverse effect on an employee’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities’.

If you fail to make a reasonable adjustment for someone whose endometritis is classed as a disability, you could face an employment tribunal. Adjustments for employees may include:

• providing extra rest breaks; 
• allowing flexible working arrangements; 
• altering your business premises to accommodate your employees, including providing handrails, standing desks and other provisions; and 
• providing extra training. 

Key Takeaways

Endometriosis is a painful condition affecting 1 in 10 UK women. If your employees suffer from endometriosis, they may have adverse symptoms, including chronic pain, nausea and bowel problems. As an employer, you have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments to help a person whose endometriosis is a disability to overcome any difficulties they may face. A disability is when someone has a mental or physical impairment that ‘has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities’. You may make reasonable adjustments for your employees.

If you need help understanding whether endometriosis is a disability in the UK, LegalVision provides ongoing legal support for businesses through our fixed-fee legal membership. Our experienced employment lawyers help businesses manage contracts, employment law, disputes, intellectual property, and more, with unlimited access to specialist lawyers for a fixed monthly fee. To learn more about LegalVision’s legal membership, call 0808 196 8584 or visit our membership page.

Frequently Asked Questions