Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Menopause: Workplace Support

Monday 19 June 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • James Sunderland asked the Department for Work and Pensions to outline steps being taken to improve workplace support for women experiencing menopause.
  • The Department appointed Helen Tomlinson as the first Department for Work and Pensions menopause employment champion to drive awareness of menopause issues and employment challenges.
  • Carolyn Harris inquired if including menopause in occupational health assessment criteria would promote retention and return to work for women.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 James Sunderland
Women & Equalities
Context

The questioner is concerned about the lack of workplace support for women going through menopause.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to improve workplace support for women experiencing menopause?

Answer from Mims Davies

I have appointed Helen Tomlinson as the first ever Department for Work and Pensions menopause employment champion, and she is driving awareness of issues around the menopause and employment and what challenges women may have. She has already met with members of the DWP's 50Plus Choices roundtable group; with the Chair of the Women and Equalities Select Committee; with Dame Lesley Regan, the women's health ambassador; and with Andy Briggs, the Government's business champion for older workers. We are working with sectors and with large and small employers to disseminate best practice.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer provided details about awareness-raising efforts but did not specify concrete steps or policies to directly improve workplace support for menopausal women.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 James Sunderland
Employment
Context

The questioner is concerned about the need for paid leave and wider availability of hormone replacement therapy for women experiencing menopause.

Question

It is really important that we in this place do what we can to support all those going through the menopause, including the wider availability of hormone replacement therapy. Are the Government considering offering paid leave to those who may need time off work to attend clinics for medical support, noting also the variation and the consistency of those offers of support to those going through the menopause?

Answer from Mims Davies

The Government expect employers to treat their staff well and fairly, and to accommodate all sorts of flexibility requests. My hon. Friend will be pleased to know that a private Member's Bill, the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill, is going through Parliament, and we will ensure the development of flexible working policies, which is crucial.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer provided general statements about employer expectations and referenced an ongoing bill but did not address the specific request for paid leave or HRT availability.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Carolyn Harris Lab Neath and Swansea East
Employment Women & Equalities
Context

The questioner is concerned about the economic inactivity of more than 700,000 women aged over 50.

Question

We know that over 700,000 women over 50 are currently economically inactive in this country. Does the Minister agree that including menopause among the assessment criteria for occupational health would help to promote retention and the return to work of countless women?

Answer from Mims Davies

I thank the hon. Lady for her point, and I know she has already met Helen Tomlinson. I will take on board the point she makes and take that away.

Not addressed: The questioner asked if including menopause as a criterion would help promote retention but the minister did not directly respond to this specific request, instead acknowledging receipt of the suggestion without commitment.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email