Menopause and the workplace

The Government’s response to the Women and Equalities Committee’s report on menopause was published on 24 January 2023.

The Government has chosen not accept the majority of recommendations including providing model menopause policies to assist employers. It also has not accepted the recommendation to consult over amending “The Equality Act” to introduce a new protected characteristic of menopause and a duty to provide reasonable adjustments for menopausal employees. 

The key outcome for employers is that the Government has accepted, in principle, that it should “appoint a Menopause Ambassador to work with stakeholders from business (including small to medium enterprises), unions and advisory groups to encourage and disseminate awareness, good practice and guidance to employers”.

The Government has committed to appointing a “Menopause Employment Champion” in due course and what they will exactly do is still to be determined.

For the full report please see:-

https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/33631/documents/183795/default/

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Menopause and the workplace: Government Response to the Committee’s First Report of Session 2022–2023

https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/33631/documents/183795/default/