FEATURE Women in rural and agricultural work


n By Alan Jones


A woman’s wellbeing


For a woman lone worker life can be difficult – and not always in obvious ways


As an RSPCA worker Ellie Jones knows all about looking after animals and their welfare.


But who looks after her welfare, especially as much of her days are spent working alone, often in rural parts of the country?


It is a question at the forefront of her mind as she helps Unite campaign on health and safety, especially for women, and especially for women working alone.


Women face physical and mental problems being alone and working long hours in the countryside, particularly at times when they might need access to toilet facilities or when they feel particularly unsafe.


Ellie’s based in Bristol, but her patch covers the entire Avon and Somerset area and countryside in between. No stranger to the remoteness of rural life, she grew up in a small village near Aberystwyth in West Wales. Her background prepared her for the realities of lone working, on shifts often finishing late at night.


She fully backs Unite’s campaign for more toilet facilities for workers generally, but especially those for


women working in remote areas. It can be especially difficult for women who suddenly need access to toilets for whatever reason. When you need to get changed and you’re literally out in a field that can be a challenge. Ellie is backing Unite’s campaigns for toilet, period and menopause dignity for women workers.


Ellie is also working to highlight the union’s demands for women and girls through changes in attitudes at workplaces, schools and colleges, and society in general.


Access to sanitary products is something that should be obvious, but Unite still has to persuade employers, schools and other organisations to make sure they are just as normal as providing toilet rolls.


There is a feeling that many employers still regard sanitary products almost as luxury items and do not believe they should be offered free of charge. Unite launched its period dignity campaign at its stand at the Labour party conference in Liverpool in 2018 and has held surveys in different sectors of the economy to highlight what needs to be done.


Unite is also calling on employers to 28 uniteLANDWORKERSummer 2023


understand their responsibilities towards the health and safety of their staff and promote a menopause friendly workplace – again a challenge when that workplace includes the great outdoors.


But within the framework suggested, actions include flexibility on start and finish times, providing rest areas, making sure uniforms are suitable and granting paid time off for medical appointments and treatments.


Ellie’s campaigning is totally in tune with Unite’s long running strategy for equality for all workers in all jobs.


Unite general secretary Sharon Graham believes, “Equalities issues must be at the centre of our Industrial Strategy and firmly on the bargaining table.”


The union’s demands are often difficult enough to achieve when they are made to companies with large offices or factories, employing huge numbers of staff. They are even more difficult for those working remotely, often alone, and especially for women.


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