I've never come across a legalisation that states that.

Many things are basic human rights, does not mean a business has to provide them, I'm guessing people are just trying to get free stuff or jump on the bandwagon, as I read last year (i think) that there was a scheme in Scotland where free products were issued

It is not a human right. Remember sanitary products are taxed as a luxury(!). Obviously I am only looking at this from a legal stand point. I am sure if I were female I wouldn't consider them a luxury.

I think we all agree there is no legal requirement to provide...however some companies with largely female staff have started placing these in thier washroom facilities as part of support for the period poverty campaigns.  Rolls Royce as an example.

As a business the cost of buying bulk works out at about 25p a pad (we do it as part of remote medical support) so it isn't great cost...however there is still a bit of a stigma attached to it becuase of the embarrasment especially in more traditional industries ( I have recently been asked to put down bowl problems rather than severe period pains!), however I would support and any business that removes that sort of mental pressure on any gender...

Just some thoughts :)

Agree with everyone that there is no legal requirement.

As stevedm said a large number of businesses now are moving towards provision of such things, and what a way to promote the organisation as a good employer? Many women don't know the exact day when that will happen to them and there's nothing worse than being at work and not having any sanitary products.  It would provide peace of mind, if you buy in bulk a relatively cheap intitiative and would in my humble opinion, raise the morale of the workforce (not just the female workforce either!). 

A Kurdziel it may well be something for society to sort out through government institutions but we are currently in a very uncertain political and economic climate.  As businesses are part of society I would encourage and support any business who implements any initiative to tackle societal issues as it would fall under health and wellbeing, which again is the "health" in health and safety! 

It may be "nice to" but it is not a legal requirement.

If we want to as a society stop pollution, eliminate single use plastics, protect the oceans....... is providing the modern (plastic and gel filled sandwich) sanitary towel or non-biodegradable tampon with their plastic applicator a concurrent course of action to avoid swimming with some interesting items in the mediterranean (other water bodies are available)?

Before anyone starts citing UK legislation intended (and failing) to prevent such items entering the environment the question was about basic human (not UK) rights.

Originally Posted by: Roundtuit

It may be "nice to" but it is not a legal requirement.

If we want to as a society stop pollution, eliminate single use plastics, protect the oceans....... is providing the modern (plastic and gel filled sandwich) sanitary towel or non-biodegradable tampon with their plastic applicator a concurrent course of action to avoid swimming with some interesting items in the mediterranean (other water bodies are available)?

Before anyone starts citing UK legislation intended (and failing) to prevent such items entering the environment the question was about basic human (not UK) rights.

I'm not quite sure what you are trying to say here.  Are you suggesting that employers shouldn't hold an "emergency stock" of sanitary requisites because it isn't environmentally friendly?  I agree there is no legal requirement but surely common humanity and common decency would suggest that a good employer would and should hold at least a small emergency stock to assist anyone who is "caught out" in the workplace.  I wouldn't advocate wholesale provision as most women have a favourite product but surely a small stock could be held and made available at time of need?

Basically you dont have to supply them, but that doesn't mean you can't/shouldn't supply them. There is no reason not to supply them beyond cost.