Menopause: The Next Protected Characteristic?

We're sending out our bulletin on World Menopause Day in the interests of promoting its purpose of raising awareness about the menopause!

Back in July, the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee launched an inquiry into workplace issues surrounding the menopause. The aim of the inquiry was to examine the extent of discrimination faced by those experiencing menopausal symptoms in the workplace and investigate how the Government might offer better support. Responses to the inquiry closed on 17 September and the Committee will now draw up recommendations with a view to shaping future policies and practices.

According to the Committee's chair, Caroline Nokes, a key message coming through the inquiry was a lack of clarity offered by the existing legislation; claims can often involve overlapping principles of disability, age and sex discrimination. She declined ruling out the possibility of the Committee recommending a change to the Equality Act 2010 to