The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has recently published guidance designed to help employers understand what they need to do to help workers suffering from symptoms of the menopause, such as loss of concentration and increased stress. Studies show these and other symptoms lead to workers having increased levels of absence or leaving completely.
An employer has existing obligations under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments to working arrangements, and to avoid discrimination, harassment and victimisation for those workers who have a protected characteristic. In the context of menopause these characteristics tend to be disability, age and sex.
The guidance includes a number of videos, one of which sets out suggested adjustments to the workplace such as increased ventilation or allowing the worker to work from home and recording any absence separately as you would do with those workers suffering from a disability.
The full guidance can be found at: https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/media-centre/news/regulator-provides-advice-employers-menopause-and-equality-act
If you need any further advice with regard to this topic or employment law generally, please do not hesitate to contact Employment Law Partner, Gareth Dando on 01484 558060 or email: Gareth.dando@ramsdens.co.uk or Emily Walker on 01484 558081 or email: Emily.walker@ramsdens.co.uk.
The above article is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended that specific professional advice is sought before acting on any part of the information given.