WOMEN’S health concerns are often downplayed and dismissed by employers, resulting in many being forced out of their profession, the TUC women’s conference heard today.

In a motion brought forward by teachers’ union NASUWT, the conference in London raised concerns that despite women being disproportionately vulnerable to long-term inflammatory immune and other health conditions, many sickness-absence and health and safety policies fail to address their conditions.

The conference called on the TUC to campaign for greater awareness of intersectional gender-sensitive health and safety issues in schools, colleges and workplaces.

It also demanded specific training for union negotiators on bargaining for gender-sensitive health, safety and welfare policies.

NASUWT’s Deborah White said: “Many of us know the devastating effects of such conditions through our lived experiences as we grapple with unfair pressures at work and our caring responsibilities at home.

“It is therefore imperative that necessary training is done by workplace reps and employers so that these real medical conditions can be recognised and reasonable adjustments put in place.

“These adjustments often require little or no financial inputs or structural changes.

“We also know that social and economic factors as well as negative experiences put women at greater risk of poor mental health than men, often trapping them in a vicious circle.”

Coral Fineman of GMB warned that women are being forced out of work due to inadequate support and understanding, saying: “Women’s health continues to be stigmatised both in the workplace and broader society.

“The stigma harms countless women, preventing them from seeking the necessary adjustments to achieve a healthy work life.”

She called on trade unions to “work tirelessly” to raise awareness of intersectional gender-sensitive issues.