UK Government Responds To Women And Equalities Committee

The government’s response to the menopause in the workplace report was released on July 28, 2022, by the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee.

Some of the Committee’s suggestions are accepted in principle by the government in its response; these include the appointment of a Menopausal Ambassador, the beginning of a menopause public health campaign, and the inclusion of education about menopause in schools.

There are some other suggestions that are accepted in part, such as those that have to do with the Health and Safety Executive’s advice to create guidelines.

However, the response dismisses several suggestions from the Committee, such as the following:

• in consultation with the Menopause Ambassador, produce model menopause policies to assist employers.

• work with a large public sector employer with a strong public profile to develop and pilot a specific ‘menopause leave’ policy.

• immediately commence section 14 of the Equality Act 2010; and

• consult on making menopause a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.

Concerned that the administration has disregarded a strong case for amending equality laws, the Committee has urged the government to reconsider its stance.

The Committee also draws attention to the government’s dismissal of low-cost but high-impact chances for menopause leave and role models in the workplace rules for handling the menopause.

This offers a concise overview of the discussed topics along with commentary. Not all of the facts, legal arguments, or conclusions in reported instances from the employment tribunal or appeal court are comprehensive.

Not all of the facts, legal arguments, or conclusions in reported instances from the employment tribunal or appeal court are comprehensive.

The rules governing workplaces are frequently revised, either because of new laws or judicial rulings. While every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of the data presented here, we accept no liability for any mistakes that may have been made.

Before pursuing a formal course of action, it is necessary to get specialised legal counsel on any potential legal difficulties.