Received from: Community, Unite
Motion 41 and amendments
Congress notes that 3.5 million women across the UK are going through the menopause.
Symptoms can include hot flushes, memory issues, difficulty sleeping, anxiety and depression. Congress notes that experiencing severe symptoms of menopause can be classed as a disability under the Equality Act.
Congress believes that menopause is a workplace, health and safety and equality issue that needs action. It can leave women feeling unsupported, pushed out of work or unable to access training or promotion opportunities.
Congress recognises that flexible working can make it easier to manage menopause symptoms, as can changes to uniforms, breaks, or room temperature. Congress notes Community’s research which showed 67 per cent of women who were able to work from home during the pandemic and experienced menopause symptoms said they wanted homeworking to continue to be an option.
Congress believes all employers should have a menopause policy in place to support workers as well as guidance of best practice for hiring freelance and self-employed women.
Congress recognises that awareness training for managers will help employers support workers, and signpost appropriate support.
Congress further notes that in the public sector, where the majority of workers are women, there is inconsistent adoption of good practices to support employees experiencing menopausal and perimenopausal effects.
Congress calls on the General Council and TUC’s Women’s Committee to:
i. support affiliates to introduce menopause policies into all workplaces
ii. campaign for better healthcare information for women experiencing the menopause at work and increased awareness of relevant workplace rights
iii. influence policymakers to mainstream menopause as an employment practice issue for all
iv. expand training for reps on the impact of the menopause on women
v. highlight how a workplace policy can also help to close the gender pay gap and ensure women are not forced to reduce their hours or leave their roles due to the symptoms.
Mover: Community
Seconder: Unite
Supporter: Society of Radiographers