Four-fifths of women lack menopause support

Less than 20% of menopausal women have access to support at work, according to a new report by the Unite general union.

A survey of more than 11,000 female members with menopause symptoms found a “colossal” 9,000, or 83%, had no support within their workplaces, a situation described as “despicable” by general secretary Sharon Graham.

Many of the women surveyed expressed “serious unease” about raising the topic at their male-dominated workplaces while some said they are not allowed to use simple aids, such as office fans to alleviate hot flushes, nor to take leave of absence.

One respondent said she was called “pathetic” for using a hand fan, while another took early retirement due to the lack of support.

Unite is calling for employers to introduce menopause awareness policies as part of its health and safety measures, claiming that many male managers “seem oblivious” to the health implications of providing no support at all.

It’s also demanding menopause related sickness be discounted from absence records, for unsuitable uniforms to be scrapped, and for employers to be audited.

“This is a serious industrial matter and attitudes must shift as we work to make lasting improvements for everyone,” said Graham.