Source · Select Committees · Treasury Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Accepted
Paragraph: 81
Progress in supporting employees affected by menopause requires further action.
Recommendation
Welcome progress has been made in recognising the effect of the menopause and in identifying ways of assisting those affected to overcome the challenges it presents without having to leave their jobs. That progress, as in other areas of this Report, needs to be taken further.
Government Response Summary
The government described ongoing actions to support women affected by menopause, including the appointment of a Menopause Employment Champion and her Four Point Plan, new DWP guidance, and identifying menopause as a priority in the Women's Health Strategy.
Paragraph Reference:
81
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
In March 2023, the (then) Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression appointed Helen Tomlinson as the Government’s first Menopause Employment Champion. The Menopause Champion is driving awareness of issues surrounding menopause in the workplace; encouraging employers to develop policies that create a more supportive environment to help women stay in work and progress. The Government is committed to continue to work with business to ensure all women have access to workplace support–as demonstrated by the Menopause Employment Champion’s Four Point Plan, designed to improve support for people affected by menopause in the workplace In addition, DWP recently launched new guidance on the Help to Grow portal, empowering businesses to educate their organisation about menopause. The Department of Health and Social Care continues to identify menopause as a priority area in the second year of the Women’s Health Strategy, and Government more widely sees women’s health, and particularly menopause, as an essential factor when supporting the recruitment and retention of older women in the workforce.