More than 70% of women have taken time off work because of periods, Fórsa study finds

Delegates at Fórsa's conference in the INEC Killarney from May 18-20. Picture: Domnick Walsh/Eye Focus

More than 70% of women have taken time off work because of their periods, while four in 10 felt unable to tell their manager the reason for their absence, according to new research.

The survey of 1,800 respondents by Fórsa, the public service union, found that an enormous majority — 96% — were in favour of a menstrual-friendly policy in the workplace. This lead the union to adopt a motion calling on employers to address the stigma of menstrual health at its national conference on Friday morning.