Earlier this year, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (ECHR) issued new guidance for employers on menopause in the workplace.
The guidance provides an overview of menopause and perimenopause and how symptoms may impact women in the workplace, for example reduced concentration and increased stress.
The guidance explains that menopausal symptoms can amount to a disability under the Equality Act 2010 (this is determined on case by case basis). There may also be protections from discrimination on the grounds of age and sex.
If an employee’s symptoms constitute a disability under the Equality Act 2010, then their employer must make reasonable adjustments for them.
Employers should consider introducing a menopause policy setting out its approach to dealing with issues relating to menopause.