The government has launched the first independent Menopause Advisory Group to help employers better support women experiencing menopause and reduce the number leaving the workforce.
The group includes leaders from business, healthcare, and law and is chaired by Menopause Employment Ambassador Mariella Frostrup. It will advise on practical workplace changes to retain experienced women and improve support.
More than half of women going through menopause have missed work due to symptoms, according to the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development. One in ten leave work altogether, costing businesses an estimated £1.5 billion a year.
The initiative is part of the government’s wider employment reform agenda, including the Employment Rights Bill, which would require large employers to publish Menopause Action Plans.
It also ties in with the £240 million Get Britain Working strategy, including pilot schemes in South Yorkshire and Wales aimed at improving access to jobs, mental health support, and training.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall says: “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.”
Menopause employment ambassador Mariella Frostrup says: “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.
“Far too many experienced and capable women are forced out of employment through no fault of their own, hurting their earnings and our nation’s economy. Together we can create a more supportive and happier workplace where everyone can succeed.”
BT director of inclusion and wellbeing Fiona Vines says: “We are proud to host the launch of the Government’s Menopause Employment Ambassador’s Advisory Group. At BT Group we understand the importance of supporting women’s health in the workplace. This event is an important opportunity to bring business leaders together with key government ministers to promote awareness and implement strategies to improve workplace support for women affected by menopause.
Octopus Energy COO Jon Paull says: “Menopause affects half the population, yet for too long women were expected to manage it in silence. We support our team members through this transition so they can continue to do their jobs with confidence while being the best versions of themselves at work. This isn’t just good for their wellbeing and the happiness of our teams but also incredibly good for business. A true win-win.”
Royal London head of technical and marketing compliance Clare Moffat says: “The topic of menopause in the workplace deserves appropriate attention. It is essential for women to feel empowered to discuss menopause openly, positively, and respectfully, and to receive active support.
“Businesses need to create a supportive workplace environment, which in turn will be key to retaining talent in the workforce. Currently, too many women are considering leaving employment due to menopause symptoms, which can have a significant impact on their overall finances, and particularly their retirement savings.
“Encouragingly, from our research around menopause in work, 82 per cent of women going through menopause said they would be more likely to stay with their current employer if they were better supported.
“For that to happen, business leaders need to better understand menopause and how they can support employees. This includes creating a supportive workplace environment and signposting effective menopause support to help employees and ensure the economy benefits too.
“Women are more likely than men to take a career break or work part-time to care for children, grandchildren, or elderly relatives, and then there’s the menopause. Unfortunately, dealing with menopause symptoms can come at a time when many women may be thinking about adding to their pension savings.
“Quite apart from the loss of income, women leaving their job because of menopause symptoms miss out on important pension savings at a key stage in their life, potentially resulting in them being up to £126,000 worse off in retirement.”
