A COMPANY in Bristol has hit the headlines after revealing it intends to become the first in Britain to offer paid 'period leave' to women.

The time off would not be regarded as sick leave and employees would be expected to make it up, but it would allow women to stay at home if they were suffering discomfort without having to make excuses or go on the sick. 

The issue has formed today's Evening Mail online vote, and at 4pm, 77 per cent of respondents believe women shouldn't be given special dispensation for their time of the month. 

There has been a large number of responses to the issue on the Evening Mail's Facebook page. 

Nicola Smith said: "I used to suffer really bad to the point the pain would make me nearly pass out every woman is different and as for the males chirping up maybe once a month they should have to walk around with a machine strapped to them that gives them the feeling of period pains see how they get on."

Kayleigh Burns added: "The only time a woman should have time off on her periods is when it's really really painful, to the point of being doubled over in pain."

Some of our male readers argued it was discrimination. 

Mike Beaumont said: "Sexism in the workplace...would men get a week off a month too?"

And while some men disagree with the suggestion, some women do too. 

Janette Armstrong wrote: "No. Good God. How on earth did we older ones ever manage!"

Nikki Griffiths agreed: "Ridiculous. Like anyone would want to employ females,I know I wouldnt!!! Very stupid idea. Ladies have managed periods since the day they were created...granted some suffer more than others but this suggestion is a step to far."

Should women be allowed to take 'period leave'?
Yes
No