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October 18th marked World Menopause Day with events taking place to raise awareness. Increasingly employers are becoming more aware of the impact of menopause on their employees and more menopause related discrimination claims are being heard by Employment Tribunals. A large part of the reason for this is due to the continuing growth of women in the workplace. Since the 1980’s the labour market has seen a steady rise of women taking up and remaining in employment.
Whilst the menopause is not in itself a disability under the Equality Act 2010, the numerous range of effects of both peri-menopause and the menopause itself, are very likely to be deemed to be a disability. Employers are becoming increasingly more aware of the impact on their employees. To manage and support employees through this period, employers should consider implementing training for managers and implementing specific policies to support employees experiencing menopausal related health issues. Menopause will also affect same sex couples, trans men and women and those who identify as non-binary may also experience menopause.
A menopause policy can also inform and educate employees about the risk of discrimination claims or claims for unfair dismissal which can arise if a woman is treated less favourably due to menopausal symptoms and such cases have been reported in the media where menopausal women have been ridiculed by colleagues leading to claims in the Employment Tribunal for unfair dismissal and disability discrimination. A well informed and trained manager is better prepared to identify menopause as an explanation for a downturn in attendance, perceived poor performance or changes in behaviour of a colleague experiencing menopause. Having a menopause policy in place will help the business support employees, ensure that managers respond appropriately and help limit the risk of expensive claims being played out in the very public forum of the Employment Tribunal.
As part of a policy, many employers now opt to appoint a Menopause Champion to be a point of contact for support for women at work but also for spouses or partners of menopausal women who need support or advice.
If your organisation is starting a conversation about the menopause and need assistance with this or putting in place a menopause policy, then get in touch. Our employment team can provide menopause policies or review and update an existing menopause policy for a fixed fee.
For further information please contact our Employment team on 01689 887 887.