Unite has criticised Sainsbury’s for not implementing a menopause policy for its employees, despite the retailer’s recent launch of a menopause-related skincare range, calling the move “blatant hypocrisy.”
Last month, Sainsbury’s became the first UK supermarket to release an own-brand skincare range carrying the MTick symbol created by GenM to highlight products that can help with menopause symptoms but workers say they have been waiting years for a proper menopause policy.
Sainsbury’s currently provides general guidelines that are open to interpretation by managers. Unite says this has left women experiencing menopause symptoms having to take unpaid time off for medical appointments or come into work while unwell fearing disciplinary action for excessive absence.
Unite says this lack of action comes despite Sainsbury’s public commitment in October 2023 to work with GenM to create a menopause policy for its employees. Unite representatives have since asked for menopause to be recognised as a legitimate reason for long-term sick leave but this request was denied.
Unite is urging Sainsbury’s to “do the right thing” and introduce a firm menopause policy for staff. The union says the supermarket’s public focus on selling menopause-friendly products contrasts sharply with the lack of workplace support available to its own employees.
Women at Sainsbury’s are not entitled to paid leave for GP appointments and many report that some managers are unsympathetic or lack understanding of menopause-related needs. Unite is calling for the company to take meaningful action by creating a menopause-friendly workplace including paid time off for medical appointments, flexible working options and proper training for managers.
According to research by Unite shows that 83% of menopausal women in the UK do not have access to workplace support. Many said they feel uncomfortable discussing menopause in male-dominated environments while others have been denied simple adjustments such as fans or flexible hours.
The union says it is time for major organisations like Sainsbury’s to back up their public commitments with genuine workplace change.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham says: “Shame on Sainsbury’s for letting down its staff when it comes to implementing a much-needed menopause policy.
“Sainsbury’s cares about the detrimental effects the menopause has – but only for paying customers rather than its staff, who are left suffering in silence with debilitating symptoms at work and not being taken seriously.
“This blatant hypocrisy must end now. Sainsbury’s must keep to its commitment to have a menopause policy and not just make false promises for good publicity.”
Unite national women’s officer Alison Spencer-Scragg says: “Unite reps at Sainsbury’s have been trying to get a good menopause policy in place for several years, but the employer has dragged its heels leaving women in the lurch and some even losing their jobs due to their symptoms.
“To rub salt into their wounds, Sainsbury’s is now promoting products that support its customers during the menopause while not supporting its own staff. Sainsbury’s must practice what it preaches and implement this long-awaited menopause policy.
“This is something that must not only happen at Sainsbury’s, but at workplaces across the country. It’s time to ensure employers introduce positive menopause policies that reflect a commitment to women’s health and safety at work.”
