19/10/2021
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Workplace practices around the menopause are becoming the subject of greater attention. The number of employment tribunal decisions citing the Claimant’s menopause is increasing. The Guardian recently reported that there were five employment tribunals referencing the claimant’s menopause in 2018, six in 2019 and 16 in 2020. There have been 11 cases reported so far in the first half of 2021.
Further legislative changes may also be recommended to protect people going through the menopause while at work. An inquiry was launched in July by the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee into workplace issues surrounding the menopause. In particular, the inquiry will examine existing discrimination legislation and workplace practices, to consider whether enough is being done to prevent women from leaving their jobs as a result of menopausal symptoms, or suffering other adverse consequences. The inquiry has cited a 2019 survey conducted by BUPA and the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD) which 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.
In this webinar we discussed the obligations of employers, how to ensure staff are supported and whether specific policies should be introduced.
This On Demand video is suitable for HR professionals and anyone involved in workforce or employment issues.
