Discrimination Because Of Menopause

We consider the case of Lynskey v Direct Line Insurance Services Ltd which held that an employer had treated an employee unfavorably because of something arising from her disability and failed to make reasonable adjustments. The disability arose from the symptoms of menopause.

Background

The claimant, Mrs Lynskey worked for Direct Line Insurance Services Ltd as a tele-sales consultant from 2016 until her resignation in May 2022. During the first four years of her employment she received a good performance rating. In 2019 she started to suffer from menopause symptoms which had an impact on her performance at work. The claimant's symptoms included low mood, anxiety, mood swings, poor self-esteem, effects on memory and poor concentration. In March 2020 the claimant was diagnosed by her GP as having a hormone imbalance, depression and low mood; she