Over recent months, we have written a number of times on the subject of menopause. So we were interested to see the government’s recent response to calls for greater protection for those affected by issues arising out of menopause.

What did the government say?

In response to a report by the Women and Equalities Committee (WEC), which called for targeted action to protect those workers affected by the menopause, the government broadly rejected most (if not all) of the WEC’s recommendations. These included recommendations for (i) the promotion of model workplace menopause policies, (ii) permitting claims for dual/combined discrimination (i.e. less favourable treatment because of both sex and age) and (iii) the prospect that menopause could become a ‘protected characteristic’ in its own right.

It’s fair to say the WEC was disappointed with the government’s response. If you would like to read their letter, you can find a copy via the following link:

https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/33688/documents/184062/default/

Want to hear more?

We will be saying more about this issue at our upcoming seminar on 30 March 2023. Email us at employment@stevensdrake.com to book your place.