FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

On 18 July 2022, the Government published its policy paper Menopause and the Workplace: How to enable fulfilling lives.

This was published in response to an independent report from 25 November 2021 about the impact of the menopause on women’s working lives particularly in the latter stages of their career.

The report contained ten recommendations to bring about comprehensive change and the Government policy paper responds to these. Here are some of the key points:

• The Government does not believe further changes to the Equality Act 2010 are needed • The Government will explore how to develop suitable methodology to quantify the cost of the menopause to individuals, businesses, health services and society • One or more Menopause Employment Champions will be appointed by the Minister for Employment • Menopause remains a priority across Government and in society • There will be a Government-backed employer-led campaign with links to advice, guidance and best practice case studies • Large employers will be expected to put in place workplace awareness, training and support via

Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) with a “champion” point of contact

There are no further details about these initiatives.

On 28 July 2022, the Women and Equalities Committee published its report Menopause and the Workplace.

The report states that employers’ lack of support for menopausal symptoms is pushing “highly skilled and experienced” women out of work, with knock-on effects on the gender pay gap, the pension gap and the number of women in senior leadership positions.

The Committee calls on the Government to amend the Equality Act 2010 to allow dual discrimination claims based on more than one protected characteristic and to consult on making menopause a new protected characteristic.

It also calls for a duty on employers to provide reasonable adjustments for menopausal employees and for a new Menopause Ambassador who will champion good practice to keep women in the workplace.

There are no further details about these initiatives.