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World Menopause Day
16 October 2025
Lead MP
Carolyn Harris
Neath and Swansea East
Lab
Responding Minister
Anna Sabine
Tags
NHSEmployment
Word Count: 10741
Other Contributors: 14
At a Glance
Carolyn Harris raised concerns about world menopause day in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The lead MP asks for a commitment from the government to prioritize menopause support across healthcare, workplaces, and society, including monitoring employer plans for menopause policies and providing specialist training for occupational health specialists. She also advocates for discussing menopause at NHS 40-plus health checks as part of women's health strategy.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The debate highlights the negative impact of menopause on women's quality of life, with 96% of respondents to a survey indicating that menopause had negatively affected their lives. The workplace is particularly affected, with more than three-quarters of those surveyed stating that their symptoms impacted them at work, leading some to change roles or quit their jobs. The need for better understanding and treatment in primary care as well as better support in the workplace are key issues.
Allison Gardner
Lab
Stoke-on-Trent South
Acknowledged the impact of menopause-related urinary tract infections on quality of life and work ability.
Anna Sabine
LD
Frome and East Somerset
Paid tribute to the Menopause Mandate campaign and highlighted the need for serious, joined-up education, action, and policy. Noted that only 12% of menopausal women were actually diagnosed by a healthcare professional according to Menopause Mandate’s recent survey.
Carolyn Harris
Lab
Swansea East
Expressed gratitude for all hon. Members attending the debate, emphasizing the importance of women's health and welfare.
Diana Johnson
Lab
Bosworth
Acknowledged the progress made in understanding and acceptance of menopause, but noted that many women still need support.
Diana Johnson
Lab
Scarborough and Whitby
Congratulates the hon. Member for Neath and Swansea East on securing the debate and raising awareness of menopause issues over many years, highlighting her work in the APPG on menopause.
Caroline Johnson
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
The MP highlights that while women have made progress in female empowerment, many face career challenges due to menopausal symptoms. She mentions the NHS Confederation's report on £1.5 billion loss annually from menopause-related absence and praises the previous Government for recognising the scale of the challenge with a women’s health strategy.
Johnson
Lab
Sleaford and North Hykeham
Spoke thoroughly about the role of the previous Government, though her comments were described as rose-tinted.
Gerald Jones
Lab
Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Pays tribute to the work done by Carolyn Harris on Menopause Mandate and highlights that small adjustments in workplaces can make a significant difference. Emphasises the importance of raising awareness among smaller employers.
Helen Morgan
LD
North Shropshire
Made a personal speech identifying with the menopause challenges faced by women.
Julie Minns
Lab
Carlisle
Shared her personal experience of menopause affecting work performance and highlighted that one in ten women leave their jobs due to symptoms, while nearly a quarter more have considered quitting.
Kirsteen Sullivan
Lab/Co-op
Bathgate and Linlithgow
Agreed that menopause can have a severe economic impact on women’s families. Complimented the work of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Menopause for designing bookmarks listing common symptoms, which are used to raise awareness in various settings.
Nick Smith
Lab
Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney
Acknowledged the important work done by employers like Tesco in supporting menopausal employees. He also highlighted that younger women can be affected by menopause and need support.
Wolverhampton North East
Shares stories from women experiencing menopausal symptoms in their workplace and highlights the economic cost of £1.5 billion per year due to missed work and workforce departure.
Tom Hayes
Lab
Bournemouth East
Discussed the importance of open conversations and flexible working in workplaces. Highlighted the Beat the Pause initiative, which provides community-based exercise and wellbeing support for menopausal women.
Government Response
Anna Sabine
The Minister for Employment
Government Response
Women make up 51% of the workforce, and every woman will go through menopause. Each year, around 400,000 women in the UK enter menopause, with three quarters experiencing symptoms lasting over seven years for one in four women. The economic cost to the UK from menopause is £1.7 billion annually. The Employment Rights Bill requires employers with more than 250 staff to produce and publish menopause action plans; guidance will be provided to smaller businesses. Mariella Frostrup, as Government menopause employment ambassador, has engaged over 300 employers since her appointment last year. The Keep Britain Working review explores employer roles in creating healthy and inclusive workplaces.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.