Menopausal women to gain right to flexible working under Labour plans

Firms will be asked to provide flexible working for menopausal women under Labour’s workplace reforms, aimed at improving retention and boosting the economy.

Ministers believe letting female staff experiencing symptoms work from home or adjust hours will help them stay in jobs longer, while helping businesses retain skilled workers.

One in 10 women leave work during menopause due to severe symptoms, which can include anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, hot flushes and difficulty concentrating.

A government-commissioned review last month estimated the cost of women leaving work due to symptoms at £1.5bn a year.

The review also calculated annual losses of £191m from sick leave and £22.4m from presenteeism – when employees work despite severe symptoms.

Official figures show a 5 per cent rise in female employment could add up to £125bn a year to the UK economy.

Under the Employment Rights Bill, now in its final stages in Parliament, firms with 250 or more staff will be legally required to introduce “menopause action plans” from 2027.

Smaller companies will be encouraged to follow voluntarily. From next year, all businesses will be able to introduce plans voluntarily with government guidance.

The Department for Work and Pensions review reported that “women say flexible working patterns would make menopause more manageable.”

The government’s Office for Equality and Opportunity said the plans would “ensure that every organisation benefits from harnessing the talent, creativity and brilliance of women in their workforce.”

“In the process of producing their plans, employers will be prompted to select from a range of actions that research has shown to be effective.

“We know that there are a number of actions that can be beneficial for employees in a range of circumstances. We anticipate that flexible working will form part of this work.

“For example, flexible working can help people manage long-term health conditions, such as the more debilitating symptoms of menopause.”

The office added that flexible working “helps people achieve a better work life balance, which can lead to happier, healthier and more productive employees.

“It can also help people stay in work whilst navigating a range of circumstances, which may include women going through the menopause.”

The Co-op group is one of a number of firms to have already introduced a formal menopause policy.

The retailer’s chief people officer has been working with No10 to share the experiences of its female workers.

Co-op said it was “proud to support colleagues at every life stage, and we welcome the government’s renewed focus on workplace rights, particularly around menopause and reproductive health.”

Its support includes dedicated menopause colleague groups, peer support, regular coffee mornings, guidance for staff and managers, and tailored support plans.

The government wants to lift overall employment to 80 per cent from 75.3 per cent for people aged 16 to 64.

The DWP review called understanding the workplace impact of menopause “ever more crucial” to hitting this target.

It said there is “considerable evidence that some women going through menopause experience symptoms which can impair their confidence and well-being at work and, to a lesser extent, their ability to effectively do their jobs.”

Labour market participation among women is increasing, with 4.6m economically active women aged 50 to 64 last year and 5.4m aged 35 to 49.

Menopause typically affects women aged between 45 and 55, with average onset at 51.

The reforms are part of wider workers’ rights plans overseen by deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, including day-one flexible working requests and the right to disconnect from out-of-hours work communication.

Ministers will consult employers, trade unions and other groups on flexible working this winter, with implementation due in 2027. The right to switch off is also scheduled for 2027 following consultation.

The TUC has welcomed the flexible working proposals but wants the government to add an advertising duty requiring employers to state flexible working terms in job adverts.

A TUC poll this year found 74 per cent of voters back easier access to flexible working, including 63 per cent of Reform voters and 64 per cent of Conservative voters, while 12 per cent oppose the policy.