Support for free sanitary products as national consultation ends

Trade unions and charities have signalled their support for legislation to provide free sanitary products as a nationwide consultation draws to a close.

Views on Labour MSP Monica Lennon’s proposed member’s bill aimed at ending period poverty in Scotland can be submitted until midnight today.

The bill would place a legal duty on Scottish ministers to ensure there is free access to sanitary products in Scotland, including in schools, colleges and universities.

The proposal has attracted support from organisations including the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), The Trussell Trust Scotland, the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), Glasgow Airport, Engender, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw).

Ms Lennon said: “I’m delighted that my proposed member’s bill consultation has gained such widespread support over the past few months.

“The consultation remains live until midnight on Friday December 8 and I would encourage anyone who hasn’t already done so to respond online by visiting www.periodpoverty. scot and make their views known.

“I look forward to fully analysing all of the responses following the close of the consultation.”