Union calls on DVLA to supply free sanitary merchandise amid value of dwelling disaster

A union is looking for the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to supply free sanitary merchandise for its employees, as some girls battle to afford sanitary towels amid the price of dwelling disaster.

The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union says it has been requested to supply a enterprise case to the federal government company explaining why sanitary towels ought to be supplied.

The union instructed Sky News it has spent tons of of kilos to provide 1000’s of free sanitary merchandise to girls for the reason that finish of final 12 months, however was not capable of afford to maintain doing so – and has been requesting assist since final September.

One girl spoke of how some individuals have needed to go house as their intervals have began and they aren’t capable of afford the sanitary merchandise supplied in paid-for merchandising machines.

Amy Williams, a single mom who works part-time and makes round £16,000 a 12 months, spoke of how she has needed to go house as a result of she can not afford tampons or pads if her interval begins unexpectedly.

The PCS member stated: “Because of a health condition I have, my periods aren’t regular.

“So if I anticipate to come back on subsequent week, however I come on tomorrow, I’m not fairly ready.

“Or I’ve not had anything in the house prepared – because sometimes the weekly shop, the money goes on food for the kids, food for the house, it doesn’t go on sanitary products – that doesn’t fit within my £50 to £60 limit that I’ve got for this week.

“You cannot anticipate to sit down there and simply bleed via onto your chair.

“So I’ve gone home, and it’s been marked down as sick.”

She stated girls going via menopause have had related experiences because of the irregularity of their intervals.

‘It’s dehumanising’

Buying a single pad or tampon prices 50p or £1 from the bathroom dispensers, she stated.

The union instructed Sky News the machines are operated by an exterior contractor and never the DVLA.

“It’s dehumanising,” Amy added.

“I know the government has taken tax off period products, but when it’s the case of buying food for your children or on a £4 or £5 pack of pads or tampons, whatever you use, you know, sometimes that decision has to be made.”

The union in contrast the scenario with one other authorities company, Job Centres, which offer feminine employees with sanitary merchandise freed from cost.

It argues the DVLA ought to do the identical, as there are a excessive variety of feminine employees on the company, and it’s comparatively small by way of how many individuals work on the south Wales web site.

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Carolyn Harris, the Labour MP for Swansea East, instructed Sky News: “I’m disappointed that management at DVLA is not recognising that the cost of living crisis is impacting staff.

“Period poverty is a really actual concern, and offering employees with free sanitary merchandise is a respectful and fairly actually a primary gesture.

“Many companies do this, and I’d have thought the DVLA would have responded swiftly and in a more positive and constructive manner.”

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PCS employees on the DVLA are placing subsequent week over pay.

The union’s normal secretary Mark Serwotka stated: “No one with a period should be caught short – this provision should be free in workplace toilets the same way toilet paper and soap are made available.

“It’s shameful that our reps really feel they should carry sanitary merchandise to work to assist out their colleagues throughout the price of dwelling disaster.

“Other employers provide sanitary products for staff, so why can’t the Department for Transport?”

A DVLA spokesperson stated: “The Public and Commercial Services union has asked us to provide free sanitary products for staff and we are reviewing this request.”