Jessica O'ConnorUnite has secured a menopause workplace support policy for women employed by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).
The policy, which is a day one right and can be accessed at any time, includes workplace adjustments, such as flexible working, access to fans, additional breaks and changes to workwear.
The policy also addresses sick leave for menopause symptoms.
Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, said: “Unite research has found that more than 80% of working women experiencing the menopause do not have access to basic support at work.
“As this policy shows, Unite is using its industrial power to challenge this dire lack of provision – which has a detrimental impact on women’s working lives – in workplaces across the country.”
A recent Unite survey of 11,000 women union members, found that around 9,000 had no access to menopause support.
The survey also found that workers are being forced to take early retirement due to a lack of help with menopausal symptoms.
Jackie Llewellyn-Robinson, Unite JLR convenor, added: “I am pleased JLR has agreed to institute this menopause support policy.
“Unite will continue to push for improvements to the policy from JLR as well as helping women reps across the union to win similar menopause support provisions from their employers.”
