A company is planning to introduce a "period policy" in an effort to “create a happier and healthier working environment”.

Co-Exist in Bristol wants to give women more flexibility and said women will be allowed to take time off during their period and make up the time later.

Director Bex Baxter told the Bristol Post she had seen women at work "bent over double" in pain but unwilling to go home which was "unfair".

Miss Baxter believes the scheme will increase productivity and hopes other companies will follow the lead of global sportswear giant Nike and introduce similar policies.

Menstrual leave exists in Japan, parts of China, South Korea and Taiwan.

It is thought the company - which employs 24 workers including seven men - is one of the first firms to introduce it in the UK.

Miss Baxter said criticism of menstrual leave came "from a place of fear".