Thousands of women are set to benefit from plans to boost
workplace support as leaders from across industry, healthcare and
the legal profession came together today to form the first-ever
independent Menopause Advisory Group.
Stark figures from the Chartered Institute for Personnel and
Development show that over half of women experiencing menopause
(53 per cent) have not been able to attend work due to their
symptoms, with 10 per cent leaving work for good – costing
businesses around £1.5 billion every year.
Convened by the Government's Menopause Employment Ambassador,
Mariella Frostrup, the group discussed the impact menopause can
have on workers, current efforts to support women in work and
businesses can work in partnership with government to ensure
women don't fall out of the work force due to menopause.
It comes alongside the government's wider efforts to break down
barriers to work, keep people in work and create a thriving and
inclusive labour market which is central to unlocking economic
growth as part of the plan for change.
Work and Pensions Secretary said:
“For too long working women have suffered in silence or stopped
working when they experience the menopause – a completely natural
and normal part of life.
“A taboo and lack of understanding is holding back our nation's
growth and it's time to tackle it head on.
“The first ever independent Menopause Advisory Group will bring
together huge knowledge and experience on this vital issue so we
can give women the support they need to remain and thrive in
work, putting money in people's pockets and delivering growth for
our economy as part of the Plan for Change.”
Menopause Employment Ambassador, Mariella Frostrup
said:
“I'm delighted to have this incredible group of professionals
helping me ensure that women in midlife, a time when we often
have to balance so much responsibility, are properly supported at
work.
“Far too many experienced and capable women are forced out of
employment through no fault of their own, hurting their earnings
and our nation's economy. Together we can create a more
supportive and happier workplace where everyone can succeed.”
Fiona Vines, Director of Inclusion and Wellbeing at BT
said:
“We are proud to host the launch of the Government's Menopause
Employment Ambassador's Advisory Group. At BT Group we understand
the importance of supporting women's health in the workplace.
This event is an important opportunity to bring business leaders
together with key government ministers to promote awareness and
implement strategies to improve workplace support for women
affected by menopause.”
Jon Paull, COO at Octopus Energy, said:
“Menopause affects half the population, yet for too long women
were expected to manage it in silence. We support our team
members through this transition so they can continue to do their
jobs with confidence while being the best versions of themselves
at work. This isn't just good for their wellbeing and the
happiness of our teams but also incredibly good for business. A
true win-win.”
The launch of the group comes as the Government steers its
flagship Employment Rights Bill through Parliament. As well as
boosting workers' rights and protections, the Bill also includes
landmark legislation that requires large employers with more than
250 employees to produce and publish Menopause Action Plans
detailing how they will support employees through the menopause.
The government has also started work on its £240 million Get
Britain Working plans, launching the first two trailblazers to
tackle inactivity in South Yorkshire and Wales in recent weeks
with the reforms set to transform Jobcentres to focus on people's
skills and careers, guarantee young people the chance to earn or
learn and provide mental health support to help people to start
and stay in work.
Notes to Editors:
Mariella Frostrup was named Menopause Employment Ambassador on
18th October 2024 – details can be found here
Women's health campaigner
Mariella Frostrup appointed as Government Menopause Employment
Ambassador - GOV.UK
The group will provide Mariella Frostrup with expert knowledge
from a wide range of sectors on how businesses can better support
women and tackle this critical issue. The members are:
- Tina Backhouse, General Manager of Theramex
- Prof. Janice Rymer, Consultant Gynaecologist and Chair of the
British Menopause Society
- Kelly Gardner, Detective Superintendent for Bedfordshire
Police
- Laura Biggs, Founding Director of Menopause Mandate
- Jon Paull, Chief Operating Officer of Octopus Energy
- Juliet Balfour, NHS GP and Menopause Specialist
- Nadira Awal, NHS GP and founder of Pause and Co
- Nina Kuypers, Founder of Black Women in Menopause
- Rachel Suff, Senior Policy & Practice Adviser for CIPD
- Kristen Furber, People Director for Channel 4
- Kudsia Batool, Director of Equalities for Trade Union
Congress
- Deborah Turner, National Lead for Women in Enterprise for
Federation of Small Businesses
- Sue Wardlow, CEO of Greensand Multi Academy Trust
- Emma Hammond, Partner at Gunnercooke Law
