An inquiry has been launched into workplace practices relating to the menopause by the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee. The inquiry will analyse current discrimination laws and workplace practices to determine whether enough is being done or whether further action needs to be taken to prevent women from leaving their jobs due to suffering from menopausal symptoms or other adverse consequences.
Recommendations will be compiled to ensure policies are aligned with gender equality issues including, but not limited to:
- The type and range of discrimination faced by women experiencing menopausal symptoms and the wider societal impact
- How menopause discrimination affects the economy
- How employers consider the needs of employees facing menopause discrimination
- How to implement practices designed to resolve menopause discrimination in the workplace
Currently, menopause discrimination will only be covered by the Equality Act 2010 if it falls under either age, sex and/or disability discrimination. Therefore, the inquiry will investigate where further laws need to be passed to ensure employers can implement a menopause policy for the workplace to protect people experiencing menopausal systems whist at work.
