Impact of the Menopause at Work

By Dee Woodcock

This article looks at how the impact of menopause is relevant in the workplace and how employers should seek to support those going through the menopause in the workplace.

Menopause affects a significant proportion of the workforce. There are some 3.5 million working women aged 50 and over in the UK, which means that it is highly likely that someone in a workplace will be experiencing perimenopause, menopause or be postmenopausal.

All stages of menopause are different, and the effects and symptoms vary from person to person and range from mild to extremely debilitating.

ACAS advises that menopause is a health and wellbeing concern for staff and needs to be handled sensitively. In doing so it will ensure that it helps staff continue to do their job confidently and effectively. It will also ensure that employers are able to resolve issues before they reach a stage where legal action might be taken.

Menopause itself is not a protected characteristic. However, it does tend to affect people of a certain age, sex, or where they may be going through gender reassignment and can amount, in some cases to a disability. Employers therefore need to be alert to the fact that any mistreatment of that individual experiencing menopausal symptoms could amount to discrimination on grounds of one or more protected characteristics.

Employers should therefore make sure they have steps or procedures in place or are at least ready to support and help those affected by menopause.

At Sampson Coward we can assist you in advising you on addressing any menopausal issues, as well as preparing any policies and procedures.  Please contact Dee or David at Sampson Coward Solicitors on 01722 820934 and 01722 820935, or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dee Woodcock