The United Kingdom Public Service has signed up to a pledge to actively support employees affected by the menopause and recognise the issue in the workplace.
Senior officials signed the Menopause Workplace Pledge, organised by the Wellbeing of Women charity, which also called on employers to create an environment where people could talk openly, positively and respectfully about menopause.
More than 1,000 employers have signed up to the pledge so far, including the British Broadcasting Corporation, universities, hospitals and schools.
After Ministers and senior officials endorsed the commitment, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice and Public Service gender champion, Antonia Romeo said it would help everyone better understand how to support colleagues going through menopause so they could continue to fulfil their potential.
“The Civil Service is at its best when we attract and retain top talent from wherever it comes,” Ms Romeo (pictured) said.
“The menopause is a fact of life that can have a real impact on the day-to-day life, and participation in the workplace, of half the population.”
More than half of the UK’s 475,000 Public Servants are women and the median age of Public Servants is 45 years, which is often when perimenopause or menopause begins.
Minister for Health, Sajid Javid said the pledge would ensure women working across the Public Service felt supported.
“For many, the symptoms of the menopause can be extremely debilitating and it’s absolutely crucial they feel confident asking for support at work,” Mr Javid said.
In December, the Public Service published its Menopause in the Workplace Policy, which provides guidance for managers on their duty of care to support staff, and advice on the use of workplace adjustments.
London, 10 June 2022
