Menopause measures rejected

Last year, an independent report commissioned by the government put forward a range of measures to improve support for menopausal employees at work. 

These measures included appointing a Menopause Ambassador to publish a report every six months on the progress made to support those going through the menopause – a recommendation that the government has accepted (although it’s being called a ‘Menopause Employment Champion’).

However, the government has rejected the other proposals, which would have gone much further.  It has declined to:

• produce model menopause policies to help employers and employees

• introduce a pilot on ‘menopause leave’

• amend the Equality Act 2010 to introduce a new protected characteristic of menopause, including a duty to make reasonable adjustments for menopausal employees