Union launches menopause campaign

The Usdaw shopworkers’ union has launched a new menopause campaign to seek better workplace rights and improved support for the health and wellbeing of women in mid-life and beyond. It says it is clear “the menopause is an occupational health issue”, impacting on women’s physical and mental wellbeing, and the workplace can make symptoms worse.

The union also welcomed a Labour Party pledge to bring in a new requirement for large firms with over 250 employees to publish and implement menopause action plans, showing how they will support women going through menopause. These could include policies such as paid time off, uniform alterations or temperature control. In 2022, research by the Fawcett Society gender equality campaign found one in 10 women who have worked during the menopause have left a job due to their symptoms.

Usdaw says many UK businesses are taking steps in this area. The union has secured new workplace menopause guidance at Tesco and Sainsbury’s, for example.

But general secretary Paddy Lillis said: “Despite growing recognition too few women are receiving the right support at work.”