Employers must make 'reasonable adjustments' for menopausal women
By Shannon Pite
Employers must make 'reasonable adjustments' for women experiencing menopause in the workplace, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has confirmed in new guidance.
According to a survey by the EHRC, which is responsible for the the promotion and enforcement of equality and non-discrimination laws, one in ten women who have worked during the menopause have left their jobs due to symptoms, while two-thirds of working women between the ages of 40 and 60 with experience of menopausal symptoms said they have had a mostly negative impact on them at work.
Under the new guidance, if menopause symptoms have a long-term and substantial impact on a woman鈥檚 ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities, they may be considered a disability. Under the Equality Act 2010, an employer will be under a legal obligation to make reasonable adjustments and to not discriminate against the employee.
The guidance also confirms that employees experiencing menopause symptoms may be protected from less favourable treatment related to their menopause symptoms on the grounds of age and sex.
Employers are encouraged to carefully consider the guidance now available from the EHRC website and adapt their policies and practices accordingly, to ensure fairness and inclusivity in the workplace.
Baroness Kishwer Falkner, Chairwoman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said:鈥
鈥淎s Britain鈥檚 equality watchdog, we are concerned both by how many women report being forced out of a role due to their menopause-related symptoms and how many don鈥檛 feel safe enough to request the workplace adjustments.
鈥淎n employer understanding their legal duties is the foundation of equality in the workplace. But it is clear that many may not fully understand their responsibility to protect their staff going through the menopause. Our new guidance sets out these legal obligations for employers and provides advice on how they can best support their staff.
鈥淲e hope that this guidance helps ensure every woman going through the menopause is treated fairly and can work in a supportive and safe environment.鈥