Caroline Nokes is chair of the women and equalities committee (House of Commons/PA)
(Picture: PA Wire)A cross-party committee of MPs has called for a large scale pilot of menopause leave as it warned a lack of support was forcing women out of the workforce.
The women and equalities committee, which is chaired by Conservative MP Caroline Nokes, said menopause should become a “protected characteristic” under the Equalities Act, like pregnancy.
It called on the Government to appoint a “menopause ambassador” and develop a leave scheme with a large public sector employer “with a strong public profile”.
“Women of menopausal age are the fastest growing group in the workforce and are staying in work for longer than ever before,” the committee’s report said.
“Yet these experienced and skilled role models often receive little support with menopause symptoms. As a result, some cut back their hours or responsibilities. Others leave work altogether.
“We call on the Government to lead the way for businesses by appointing a Menopause Ambassador who will champion good practice.”
With 4.5 million women aged 50 to 64 currently in employment, the report highlights the knock-on effects of being out of work on the gender pay gap, the pension gap and numbers in senior leadership positions.
Ms Nokes said: “The omission of menopause as a protected characteristic under the Equality Act is no longer tenable, given that 51 per cent of the population will experience menopause.
“Menopausal women have been mocked and maligned for too long. It is time the Government seizes the opportunity to enact change. It is time to support, and celebrate, these women.”
