Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that employers are supporting women managing Menopause in the workplace.

Effective workplace support for menopause symptoms is crucial not only for employee wellbeing, but also for ensuring employers can retain valuable skills and experience.

The Government is implementing a variety of initiatives to support employers and employees to manage menopause symptoms in the workplace. This Spring, we launched voluntary action plans for large employers to improve menopause support and address their gender pay gaps. We have published step-by-step guidance, including a list of evidence-informed actions, such as menopause training for managers, transparent, flexible working policies and tailored workplace adjustments.

As part of the plan to Make Work Pay, menopause guidance, including for small employers, has been published on the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) website, covering practical measures such as uniform adaptations, workplace temperature control and recording menopause-related absence.

Other measures have been introduced under the Employment Rights Act 2025 to build more supportive workplace environments, including improved access to flexible working and enhanced Statutory Sick Pay.

Furthermore, Mariella Frostrup has been appointed as Women’s Employment Ambassador, building on her progress as the Menopause Employment Ambassador, while broadening the remit to address wider health-related workplace barriers facing women.