On 22 February 2024 The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) published guidance to help employers understand their legal obligations relating to supporting workers experiencing menopause symptoms. The guidelines give information about discrimination and equality, disability, and reasonable adjustments that employers need to know about.
The EHRC guidelines have sparked quite a debate not only online but also among commentators including Kate Muir and Dr Louise Newson. Some argue that, while well-intended, these guidelines only provide a limited contribution to a much wider issue around women’s health and could potentially cause discrimination through women being ‘labelled’ disabled.
What’s going to help much more includes not only organisations implementing menopause awareness programmes, manager training and establishing support networks, but also far greater availability of HRT or other treatments via the GP network.
Apparently in the UK only 14% of women are using HRT, whereas we know the vast majority of women can be helped by taking it.
At Mentrix, we also believe that enabling women to identify what they need and empowering them to ask for it is going to make a big difference. Be that having a conversation with their manager, or discussing with their partner the impact of their symptoms on their relationship. They may choose to seek to find support in their local community. Everyone is different and everyone’s needs are different. This also goes hand in hand with educating managers and men, informing all sectors of work and society.
This is why we do what we do. We help you understand what you need and get the right help. We can also support employers to become menopause-friendly and avoid being sued for discrimination.
Join us and get the support you need, now at www.mentrix.life/resources
Read more:
The EHRC Guidance is here
BBC coverage is here