Union calls on DVLA to offer free sanitary merchandise amid value of dwelling disaster
A union is looking for the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to offer free sanitary merchandise for its workers, as some girls wrestle to afford sanitary towels amid the price of dwelling disaster.
The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union says it has been requested to offer a enterprise case to the federal government company explaining why sanitary towels needs to be supplied.
The union advised Sky News it has spent a whole bunch of kilos to offer hundreds of free sanitary merchandise to girls for the reason that finish of final yr, however was not capable of afford to maintain doing so – and has been requesting assist since final September.
One lady spoke of how some individuals have needed to go dwelling as their durations have began and they don’t seem to be 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 yr, spoke of how she has needed to go dwelling as a result of she can not afford tampons or pads if her interval begins unexpectedly.
The PCS member mentioned: “Because of a health condition I have, my periods aren’t regular.
“So if I count on to return 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 count on to sit down there and simply bleed by way of onto your chair.
“So I’ve gone home, and it’s been marked down as sick.”
She mentioned girls going by way of menopause have had related experiences because of the irregularity of their durations.
The sanitary towels supplied to workers at DVLA by the PCS union. Pic: PCS
‘It’s dehumanising’
Buying a single pad or tampon prices 50p or £1 from the bathroom dispensers, she mentioned.
The union advised 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 state of affairs with one other authorities company, Job Centres, which give feminine workers with sanitary merchandise freed from cost.
It argues the DVLA ought to do the identical, as there are a excessive variety of feminine workers on the company, and it’s comparatively small when it comes to how many individuals work on the south Wales web site.
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Carolyn Harris, the Labour MP for Swansea East, advised 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 problem, and offering workers with free sanitary merchandise is a respectful and fairly actually a fundamental 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 workers on the DVLA are putting subsequent week over pay.
The union’s normal secretary Mark Serwotka mentioned: “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 must convey 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 mentioned: “The Public and Commercial Services union has asked us to provide free sanitary products for staff and we are reviewing this request.”