MPs ratchet up menopausal pressure

摘要

MPs have increased the pressure on the government to address menopause at the workplace. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Menopause published its report1 on 12 October, six days before World Menopause Day and just three months after the House of Commons' Women and Equalities Committee issued a report specifically on the workplace implications of menopause (HSB 513 p.2). Although the all-party report looks at wide policy and societal issues, it nevertheless dedicates a chapter to the workplace, recommending that the government should: 1. "coordinate and support an employer-led campaign to raise awareness of menopause in the workplace and to help tackle the taboo surrounding menopause and work". The campaign should emphasise both that menopause is a core employee health issue and the business case for investing in employee support; and 2. update and promote guidance for employers on the best practice for menopause at work policies and interventions. As with the campaign, the guidance should include the economic justification and productivity benefits and be tailored to organisations of differing sizes and resources.