SCOTLAND could become one of the first European nations to offer women paid medical leave if they suffer acute period pain as the SNP look to consider plans in their upcoming conference.
Next month’s party conference will feature a debate on whether Scotland should follow Spain’s example, which gave the go-ahead for paid period leave in May as part of a bid to improve women's rights in the country.
The Spanish scheme provides women with as much time off as they need, with the state-backed social security system paying for the absence. A number of countries outwith Europe have similar schemes, including Japan, Zambia, Taiwan, Indonesia and South Korea.
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Meanwhile, October’s party conference in Aberdeen is set to host talks on how conditions like endometriosis and adenomyosis can cause severe pain, making it difficult to work and undertake other daily activities.
The motion will consider how measures could be implemented in an independent Scotland to help women experiencing acute period pain but the Scottish Government has signalled that it could use current devolved powers to take steps in the meantime.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Ministers are committed through the women’s health plan to develop a menopause and menstrual health workplace policy for NHS Scotland as an example of best practice and to promote equivalent efforts across the public, private and third sector.”
A proposal for parents of premature and sick babies to receive improved terms will also be discussed at the conference.
And talks will also be held on raising the school starting age in Scotland to six and offer a play-based kindergarten school stage for kids aged between three and six. Those backing the plan have linked it to improved health, wellbeing and education outcomes.
Meanwhile, rail worker strikes have been announced that will coincide with the final day of the conference as members of the RMT union have pledged to take further action over pay and conditions.
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