Menopause Advisory Group formed to boost workplace support

Thousands of women are set to benefit from plans to boost workplace support as leaders from across industry, healthcare and the legal profession came together today to form the first-ever independent Menopause Advisory Group.

Figures from the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development revealed that over half of women experiencing menopause (53%) have not been able to attend work due to their symptoms, with 10% leaving work for good – costing businesses around £1.5bn every year.

Convened by the Government’s Menopause Employment Ambassador, Mariella Frostrup, the group discussed the impact menopause can have on workers, current efforts to support women in work and businesses can work in partnership with government to ensure women don’t fall out of the work force due to menopause.

It comes alongside the Government’s wider efforts to break down barriers to work, keep people in work and create a thriving and inclusive labour market which is central to unlocking economic growth as part of the plan for change.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: “For too long working women have suffered in silence or stopped working when they experience the menopause – a completely natural and normal part of life.

“A taboo and lack of understanding is holding back our nation’s growth and it’s time to tackle it head on.

“The first ever independent Menopause Advisory Group will bring together huge knowledge and experience on this vital issue so we can give women the support they need to remain and thrive in work, putting money in people’s pockets and delivering growth for our economy as part of the Plan for Change.”

Frostrup added: “I’m delighted to have this incredible group of professionals helping me ensure that women in midlife, a time when we often have to balance so much responsibility, are properly supported at work.