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Menopause and the workplace

Inquiry

This inquiry examines the extent of discrimination faced by menopausal people in the workplace, and investigates how Government policy and workplace practices can better support those experiencing menopause.

A 2019 survey conducted by the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that three in five menopausal women- usually aged between 45 and 55- were negatively affected at work and that almost 900,000 women in the U.K. left their jobs over an undefined period of time because of menopausal symptoms. This could mean that women are leaving businesses “at the peak of their experience” which will “impact productivity”. Women in this age group are likely to be eligible for senior management roles, and so their exit can lessen diversity at executive levels. It can also contribute to the gender pay-gap and feed into a disparity in pensions.

Under the Equality Act 2010, menopause discrimination is largely covered under three protected characteristics: age, sex and disability discrimination. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 provides for safe working, which extends to the working conditions when experiencing menopausal symptoms. There have been several calls made for further legislation to require employers to put in place a workplace menopause policy to protect women going through the menopause against discrimination whilst at work.

The Government Equalities Office 2019 ‘roadmap’ on gender equality commits the Government to conduct research into “what works to improve women’s reproductive health, across the life course” and “develop indicators relating to women’s health experience and impact on their work.” The Government has also recently sought views to help inform the development of a Women’s Health Strategy.

The Committee published its report on 28 July 2022. The Government responded to the Committee’s report on 12 January 2023.

This inquiry is no longer accepting evidence

The deadline for submissions was Friday 17 September 2021.

Work news

Maria Caulfield to face scrutiny from MPs on menopause and the workplace

Maria Caulfield to face scrutiny from MPs on menopause and the workplace

Women being let down by “glacial” Government progress on menopause

Committee publishes Government response to their report Menopause and the workplace

24 January 2023

New Report: MPs call for new Menopause Ambassador to keep women in the workplace

New Report: MPs call for new Menopause Ambassador to keep women in the workplace

Is the Government supporting women going through the menopause? Ministers to answer to MPs

Women and Equalities Committee hears from Maria Caulfield MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Patient Safety and Primary Care)

'Considerable stigma' faced by women going through menopause in the workplace

Survey by Parliamentary Committee finds 1 in 3 women missing work due to menopause symptoms.

25 February 2022

Making the workplace menopause friendly: MPs to hear evidence

Women and Equalities Committee scrutinise how employers can support workers through the menopause

4 February 2022

Menopause campaigners give evidence to women and equalities committee

The House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee holds the second evidence session of its inquiry into Menopause and the Workplace.

3 December 2021

What does the menopause mean for work? MPs hold evidence session

The House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee holds an evidence session on Menopause and the Workplace

12 November 2021

Contact us

We cannot help you with an individual problem or specific complaint.

Email: womeqcom@parliament.uk
Phone: (General enquiries) 020 7219 4452 / (Media enquiries) 020 7219 1725
Address: Committee Office, House of Commons, Palace of Westminster, SW1A 0AA