Women going through menopause should be given greater menopause rights and protection in the workplace, MPs say. The Women and Equalities Committee said a lack of support in the UK was pushing women out of work.
The cross-party group wants menopause to become a protected characteristic like pregnancy, to give working women more rights. Offering menopause leave should also be piloted at a large public-sector employer, the MPs said.
Caroline Nokes, who chairs the committee said: “Stigma, shame and dismissive cultures can, and must, be dismantled. It is imperative that we build workplaces – and a society – which not only supports those going through the menopause but encourages some of the most experienced and skilled workers in our economy to thrive.”
The committee said the omission of the menopause as a protected characteristic under the Equality Act was no longer tenable given 51% of the population – including some trans men and people who were non-binary – would experience the transition.
Most women go through the menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, with symptoms lasting about four years on average, although one in 10 can experience them for up to 12 years.
Symptoms include:
>>> sleep, memory and concentration problems
>>> hot flushes
>>> anxiety
>>> depression
The committee noted:
About 4.5 million 50-64-year-old women were currently employed women with at least one problematic menopausal symptom were 43% more likely to have left their jobs by the age of 55.
its own research found few women sought workplace adjustments, such as flexible working, with many citing worries about an employers’ reaction.
The government, speaking on the issue for England as health issues is devolved to the national governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, said the issue was a priority, highlighting it had recently appointed a women’s health ambassador and set up a menopause taskforce to look into workplace support
And next year, introducing a single charge for 12-month prescriptions in England. will cut the cost of hormone-replacement therapy.
I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an edginess over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this increase.
Hi, Neat post. There is a problem with your web site in internet explorer, could check this? IE still is the marketplace leader and a large component to other people will miss your fantastic writing due to this problem.
Do you have a spam issue on this site; I also am a blogger, and I was curious about your situation; many of us have created some nice procedures and we are looking to swap strategies with other folks, be sure to shoot me an e-mail if interested.
Hey very interesting blog!
This is a great tip especially to those new to the blogosphere. Brief but very accurate information Many thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!
What’s up, its nice piece of writing about media print, we all understand media is a impressive source of information.