Employers should set out what they are doing to support staff going through menopause, Bridget Phillipson has said, as she warned that too many female employees are still facing unfair pay and having their health needs dismissed.
From next month, firms with 250 or more employees will have the option to publish a voluntary action plan alongside their gender pay gap data, as part of what the women and equalities minister said was an attempt to "empower women at work” so “we all benefit from unleashing women’s talents”.
While the plans are not compulsory, the aim is to make them mandatory from spring 2027, although the government said this is subject to secondary legislation.
Speaking ahead of International Women's Day, Ms Phillipson said: "I am delighted to formally launch employer action plans, which are part of our commitment to ensure women can thrive at work and tackle the gender pay gap.
"Too many women are still not paid fairly, held back at work due to inconsistencies in support or find common sense adjustments for their health needs overlooked or dismissed. We're acting to empower women at work and work with business so we all benefit from unleashing women's talents."
The government said it will work with businesses to "share best practice and motivate others to follow their lead voluntarily".
Plans could include ensuring managers are trained to support employees experiencing menopause, offering them tailored occupational health advice and tailored workplace adjustments, and carrying out menopause risk assessments for the workplace.
In addressing the gender pay gap – which is the difference between the average pay of men and women in an organisation – the government suggested firms can set out how they will increase transparency for promotion, pay and rewards, build diversity into their company and set targets to improve gender representation.
Mary Macleod, chairwoman of the Women's Business Council, said the measures could not only boost the number of women in the workforce, but also drive economic growth.
"We have come a long way in the fight for women's equality, but sadly we continue to face challenges at different stages of our lives and careers.
"I am really pleased to be leading the Women's Business Council as we work with the government on the introduction of action plans to break down barriers and support women's economic empowerment.
"These measures have the power to not only increase the number of women in the workforce, but to increase productivity and innovation. Because equality isn't just the right thing to do - it is also a vital driver for economic growth”, she said.
Meanwhile, government menopause employment ambassador Mariella Frostrup said: "Menopause affects millions of women at the height of their careers; which is detrimental to the economy, businesses and the talented women.
"These action plans are a huge step in the right direction. When employers take practical, meaningful steps to support women through menopause, they are not just doing the right thing - they are protecting their own workforce.
"This International Women's Day I urge every large employer to put a menopause action plan in place. No woman should have to leave a job she loves because of a natural stage of life."
And Penny East, chief executive at the Fawcett Society, said the action plans - if embraced by businesses - should "mark a shift from transparency to action".
She added: "Large employers must not simply publish data; they must now take action to improve workplace cultures and practices.
"Over the next year, while the plans remain voluntary, we will continue to work with government to ensure the final compulsory framework includes stronger pay transparency measures and clear accountability."
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