MPs called for menopause should be a protected feature and for a special ambassador to keep women in in the workplace, after a report showed that the UK currently bleeding talent.
Absence from employers of support for menopausal symptoms push ‘highly skilled and experienced’ women out of work, judging by the cross-party women and an equality committee.
Their report calls on in government amend the Equality Act to introduce menopause as a protected characteristic and include duty for employers to provide reasonable adjustments for employees during menopause.
MPs also call for ministers to withdraw dual prescription fee for contains estrogen and progesterone of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which replaces it with one charge.
From 4.5 million women 50-64 years old currently in employment, report highlights knock-on effects of Existence out of work on gender pay gap, pension space and numbers in senior leadership positions.
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Research has shown that women experiencing at least one problematic menopause symptoms account for 43% more most likely, left their work by age of 55 than those without severe symptoms, while research Bupa shows what 900000 women menopause left work.
The report recommends that a menopause ambassador can produce model policy and disseminate good practice, in cooperation with employers, trade unions and other stakeholders.
it also criticized “unacceptable” zip code lottery for access to a specialist and recommend there should be a menopause specialist in every clinical commissioning group.
Report found stigma, absence of support and discrimination were key factors in women leaving work place; what current the law does not serve or protect menopausal women; as well as women felt that their GP was out of order equipped correctly diagnose or treat menopause with women also payment more than they should for recipes.
It is called on in government start an immediate consultation on enter menopause as a protected characteristic, run public health campaign on menopausal symptoms and pilot “menopausal leave” policy inside public sector.
women and Equality Committee Chairperson Caroline Noakes, MP, said: “Omission of menopause as a protected characteristic under the Equality Act is no longer viable given that 51% of in population will experience menopause.
“Menopause women were ridiculed and slandered for too long. It’s time government seizes the opportunity to make changes. It’s time to support and celebrate, these women”.
Colin Davidson, head of work at Edwards Duthie Shamash and co-chair of Discrimination Laws Association, who gave evidence to the commission, said: government should listen to the committee’s suggestions and act immediately to make menopause a protected feature to prevent women from persecution and discrimination in work simply for passage of the natural part of their life cycle.
