Menopausal women are the fastest-growing demographic in the
workforce, and this Older Workers Week (22nd –
28th November), Minister for Employment Mims Davies,
is calling on employers to strengthen their support to keep
millions in work.
With almost one in four women cutting their careers short because
of the menopause, the Minister has today called on businesses to
tap into local support for low income older workers through
specialist advice offered by a national network of advisors known
as 50 PLUS champions.
Spread across the country, this dedicated team is there to
support employers to retain their workers over the age of 50
including women experiencing the menopause. While menopausal
symptoms vary widely between women, research shows the average
woman takes 32 weeks of leave in her career due to the menopause,
and without the support of employers this limits progression and
can lead to long-term unemployment.
Minister for Employment said:
“We know through this report, we’re losing too many talented and
experienced women from our workforce far too early – and we know
we can and must change it.
“Our new and expanded DWP team of Older Worker Champions is there
to help – I urge employers to make the most of their knowledge
and local links to help us retain women’s skills and expertise
and support them through this transition.
“This is a clear win for all. Employers and sectors with
better support and clearer understanding are able keep female
talent and boost inclusivity. So women who have worked hard in
their careers, don’t feel concerned that they may need to curtail
their careers early due to the impact of the menopause.”
50 PLUS Champion for North Lincolnshire, Anne Brewster,
said:
“This is an issue that’s often not given enough attention but can
be devastating for people.
“Work is good for our health, it is a pity to lose good staff
without perhaps knowing the reason why or what can be done to
keep them.
“If an employer comes to me, I can help them retain these
talented people and together we can face up to this challenge.”
The call came as labour market figures released last week
revealed that the amount of over 50s on payrolls had climbed by
almost a quarter of a million compared to a year ago, but that
the amount of women in work was still consistently behind men for
every year after 50.
Earlier this year in July the Minister for Employment
commissioned an independent report from leading employer
organisations on the issue of the menopause and the workplace
which has been published today (LINK). The government
will be responding to their recommendations in the coming months.
