While it seems unlikely that the government will make the menopause a protected characteristic, it has committed to assessing whether existing guidance on the menopause can be improved.
The aim of the inquiry was to examine the extent of discrimination faced by those experiencing menopausal symptoms in the workplace and to investigate how the Government might offer better support.When reporting back its findings the Committee noted that stigma, a lack of support and discrimination play key roles in forcing menopausal employees out of the workplace.
The report calls on the government to appoint a Menopause Ambassador to champion good practice, produce model menopause policies and trial specific menopause leave with a large public sector employer.The model policies should include as a minimum: how to request reasonable adjustments and other support, advice on flexible working, sick leave for menopause symptoms, and provisions for education, training and building a supportive culture.It also calls on the Health and Safety Executive and the Equality and Human Rights Commission to provide guidance on menopause within the next six months.
The report notes that the law doesn't specifically protect menopausal women, and calls on the government to consult within six months on making menopause a protected characteristic, including a duty to provide reasonable adjustments for menopausal employees.
At the moment it doesn't seem likely that the WEC's calls for legislative reform will be taken forward as the government has confirmed that it does not intend to amend the Equality Act 2010 to make menopause a protected characteristic.However, it has committed to assessing whether existing guidance on the menopause can be improved to increase employer and employee understanding of the law.In addition, Dame Lesley Regan, a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, has been appointed as the first ever Women's Health Ambassador for England with the remit of tacking the gender health gap.She will sit on the newly established UK Menopause Taskforce.
For more information on how we can help you inform your approach towards menopause in the workplace please refer to our flyer, 'The menopause: legal and practical considerations'.
