No Result
View All Result
Benefits Expert
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Alerts
  • Events
  • Contact
  • NEWS
  • IN DEPTH
  • PROFILE
  • PENSIONS
  • GLOBAL REWARDS
  • FINANCIAL BENEFITS
  • HEALTH & WELLBEING
  • DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
  • PODCAST
No Result
View All Result
Benefits Expert
  • NEWS
  • IN DEPTH
  • PROFILE
  • PENSIONS
  • GLOBAL REWARDS
  • FINANCIAL BENEFITS
  • HEALTH & WELLBEING
  • DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
  • PODCAST

Employers to face legal scrutiny over menopause provision 

by Benefits Expert
22/02/2024
standards, menopause, menstruation, support, help, employers, women, work, menopause support
Share on LinkedInShare on Twitter

RELATED POSTS

Pension contributions, auto enrolment, defined contribution, workplace savings

FCA clarifies rules on workplace payroll savings in ‘important step’

Three-generations-sandwich-generation-working-parents-carers-childcare

‘It can break people’: why HR and benefits can’t afford to ignore the sandwich generation

Employers in the UK could face legal action under disability discrimination laws if they fail to implement reasonable adjustments for menopausal women, as outlined in new guidance by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

The EHRC’s guidance seeks to clarify employers’ legal responsibilities towards their workforce, as well as empower women to ask for changes to working practices.

The guidance suggests that employers should consider measures such as flexible working hours, relaxed uniform policies, permitting adjustments to room temperatures, and providing designated rest areas to address challenges related to sleep disturbances and hot flushes – common menopause symptoms.

According to the EHRC, the failure to make these adjustments could constitute disability discrimination under the Equality Act 2010, if there was a “long-term and substantial” impact on an employee’s ability to perform their regular duties.

Citing research indicating that 1 in 10 women leave their jobs due to menopausal symptoms, and two-thirds of women aged 40 to 60 experience negative impacts at work due to menopausal symptoms, the EHRC emphasised the importance of addressing these issues. Many affected women refrain from requesting adjustments due to concerns that their jobs could be at risk or they may be sidelined in the workplace.

Baroness Kishwer Falkner, chairwoman of the EHRC, expressed concern about the number of women forced out of their roles due to menopause-related symptoms. She highlighted a potential lack of understanding among employers about their responsibility to support staff going through menopause, emphasizing that the guidance aims to provide advice on how employers can offer such support.

Furthermore, the EHRC warns that taking disciplinary action against women for menopause-related absences may amount to discrimination. Additionally, language ridiculing someone’s symptoms could constitute harassment.

Employee benefits firm Pluxee UK views this guidance as a positive step towards creating more inclusive workplaces. Pluxee UK director Graham James emphasised the importance of recognising menopause as a workplace disability and adds that this new guidance compels employers to reevaluate policies and invest in creating a more inclusive and supportive corporate environment.

He suggests offering a dedicated Menopause Support Service as part of Employee Assistance Programs, noting a positive response from organisations that have implemented such measures.

Next Post
research, reveals, employers, urged, enhance, health, cancer prevention, employee, well-being

New digital health app offers employees faster GP appointments and mental health support

legal

Rising youth mental health crisis sparks calls for workplace action

SUMMIT

BENEFITS UNBOXED PODCAST

Benefits Unboxed
Benefits Unboxed

The podcast from Benefits Expert, the title for HR, reward and benefits professionals.

Seasoned professionals examine the challenges and innovations in today’s employee benefits, reward and HR sector. Every episode, they will unbox a key issue and unpack what it really means for employers and how they can tackle it.

The regulars are Claire Churchard, editor of Benefits Expert; Carole Goldsmith, HR director at the Royal Horticultural Society, and Steve Herbert, consultant and rewards & benefits veteran.

Benefits Unboxed – Forget 10,000: the step count that really boosts employee wellbeing
byBenefits Expert from Definite Article Media

The 10,000 step rule has been wellbeing gospel for decades. But what if the science says otherwise?

Fresh data is challenging old assumptions and opening up new opportunities for HR to support employee health in smarter, simpler ways.

In this episode, part of a trio of 10 minute podcasts, hosts Claire Churchard and Steve Herbert ask: why has this myth stuck for so long, and how can employers use the new evidence to boost health, engagement and productivity?

Benefits Unboxed – Forget 10,000: the step count that really boosts employee wellbeing
Benefits Unboxed – Forget 10,000: the step count that really boosts employee wellbeing
22/08/2025
Benefits Expert from Definite Article Media
Search Results placeholder

GUIDE TO WORKPLACE PENSIONS



REQUEST A FREE COPY

OPINION

Steve Herbert, consultant, ambassador, reward, benefits, HR strategy

Steve Herbert: The art of the deal?

Lorna Ferrie, legal and compliance director, Mauve Group

Lorna Ferrie: hybrid is not a loophole, remote teams can’t ignore the pay transparency push

Holly Coe, Innecto Reward Consulting

Holly Coe: friendship is an overlooked superpower when tackling workplace absenteeism

Vitality. Pippa Andrews

Pippa Andrews: how to make exercise more enjoyable for women

SUBSCRIBE

Benefits Expert

© 2024 Definite Article Limited. Design by 71 Media Limited.

  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Contact

Follow Benefits Expert

No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • In depth
  • Profile
  • Pensions
  • Global rewards
  • Financial benefits
  • Health & wellbeing
  • Diversity & Inclusion