Recommendations & Conclusions
5 items
6
Conclusion
First Report - Menopause and the Workpl…
Rejected
Menopause is a workplace issue. There is a legal, economic, and social imperative to address the needs of menopausal employees. We are not persuaded that a legal requirement for every workplace to have a menopause policy would embed meaningful change. But there is much that employers can and should do …
Government response. While supporting the ambition, the government does not believe a model menopause policy is necessary at this moment and will focus on highlighting and sharing best practice instead, due to much work already being underway.
Government Equalities Office
8
Recommendation
First Report - Menopause and the Workpl…
Rejected
We recommend that the Government, in consultation with the Menopause Ambassador, produces model menopause policies to assist employers. The model policies should cover, as a minimum: how to request reasonable adjustments and other support; advice on flexible working; sick leave for menopause symptoms; and provisions for education, training and building …
Government response. The government does not accept the recommendation to produce model menopause policies to assist employers, stating they want to focus on highlighting and sharing best practice, which will avoid risk of duplication of effort.
Government Equalities Office
9
Recommendation
First Report - Menopause and the Workpl…
Rejected
Menopause symptoms can have a significant and sometimes debilitating impact on women at work. The Government should work with a large public sector employer 48 Menopause and the workplace with a strong public profile to develop and pilot a specific ‘menopause leave’ policy and provide an evaluation of the scheme …
Government response. The government does not accept the recommendation to develop and pilot a specific ‘menopause leave’ policy, stating they are focusing on developing and promoting good practice and adoption across the Civil Service and NHS instead.
Government Equalities Office
12
Recommendation
First Report - Menopause and the Workpl…
Rejected
The current law does not serve or protect menopausal women. Whilst the law rightly protects women from pregnancy and maternity discrimination, it does not specifically protect menopause. This is anomalous, given all women will experience menopause, whilst not all women experience pregnancy. It is unsatisfactory that menopausal women must instead …
Government response. The government does not accept the recommendation to commence section 14 of the Equality Act 2010, and does not believe that introducing menopause as a new protected characteristic is the correct approach.
Government Equalities Office
13
Recommendation
First Report - Menopause and the Workpl…
Rejected
We are also persuaded that a new protected characteristic of menopause should be created, although we acknowledge this will need careful drafting and consultation. The Government should launch a consultation on how to amend the Equality Act to introduce a new protected characteristic of menopause, including a duty to provide …
Government response. The government does not accept the recommendation to launch a consultation on amending the Equality Act to introduce a new protected characteristic of menopause.
Government Equalities Office