What is menopause?

The menopause is when a woman stops having periods. While this natural stage of ageing tends to happen around the age of 45 to 55, some women experience it earlier in life. Certain health conditions, as well as medical interventions and medication, can also trigger it.

When going through the menopause (or the period just before it which is known as perimenopause) women experience symptoms such as:

• Hot flushes
• Repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Difficulty sleeping
• Anxiety
• Mood changes
• Difficulties with memory and concentration (often referred to as “brain fog”)

What do studies show?

According to Newson health (a specialist clinic) 51% of menopausal women take time off work due to their severe symptoms.  

The report published by the cross-party Women and Equalities Committee of the House of Commons in July 2022 also confirmed that menopause was causing the UK economy to “haemorrhage talent”.

The existing data highlights why women feel concerned about their difficulties. Many of them fear discrimination, ranging from being skipped for promotion to losing their jobs. Under the circumstances, they might deny what they are going through, and avoid seeking support.

What has the government done?

The report from the Committee made various recommendations, key amongst which was making menopause a protected characteristic and including a duty to provide reasonable adjustments for menopausal employees.

The government however has refused to do so on the grounds that such an action could have “unwanted consequences” and could inadvertently “…discriminate against men”.   In clarifying, some of the concerns surrounded whether men with long-term medical conditions would be disadvantaged or become less protected.

Among the other recommendations made by the Committee was the introduction of menopause leave under which a woman would be able to take leave from work if they were suffering from severe menopausal symptoms, similar to being able to take maternity or parental leave.

In common with the protected characteristic proposal, this was also rejected by the government.

In response, a government spokesperson said: “We recognise that the menopause can be a challenging time for women, which is why we have put women’s health at the top of the agenda as part of the first-ever women’s health strategy for England.

“We are implementing an ambitious programme of work with the NHS to improve menopause care so all women can access the support they need.”

Despite the government not backing some of the recommendations made by the Committee, it has backed and will implement other recommendations made.  It is also widely accepted that there has been a shift in attitudes generally and discussions are taking place within businesses, the NHS and other relevant bodies which is pushing these issues to the forefront.  Furthermore, employees that are having issue due to the menopause may be protected within the Equality Act under both age and gender discrimination.

Despite the government refusing to go as far as some may have wanted, a menopause policy within the workplace is looking more and more essential to guide employers and managers on how to deal with such situations.

At Aston Bond, we can advise on policies to implement and training for employers as well as advising employees who may be experiencing issue at work surrounding this topic.  Please contact imardarescu@astonbond.co.uk or 01753 486777

COVID is very much still with us!

The virus will once again put pressure on the NHS this winter…

The British government may have ended all legal covid-19 restrictions however with cases still fluctuating, is going to work when you’re sick really a good idea?

In this article we will answer some of your top asked questions…

Can I go to work with covid?

Yes. Even after testing positive for covid, you can go to work.

However, workers are encouraged to follow the government’s guidance and stay at home until they have tested negative twice with the tests being taken 24 hours apart.

Do I have to test for covid before going to work?

No, you don’t have to test for Covid before going anywhere, including to work.

Most people in England are no longer advised to get tested and can no longer get free lateral flow tests from the NHS unless you are one of a small number of people who are eligible.

Those who want to get tested must buy a Covid-19 test from pharmacies and other retailers.

What should I do if I feel unwell?

According to the department of Health and Social Care, you should work from home if you can avoid contact with other people if you are experiencing any of the covid symptoms…

Symptoms of covid include a continuous cough; high temperature or fever, loss of or change in normal sense of taste or smell, shortness of breath, lack of energy, lack of appetite, headache, sore throat or runny nose.

What are employers’ obligations?

Although there is no requirement for employees to tell an employer they have tested positive for covid, employers do have a duty of care to all of their staff.  This means that if an employer is put on notice that an employee has covid, they should do their best to avoid placing other employees at risk.  This is particularly the case when other employees may be vulnerable.

Government guidance currently states that employees should stay away from the workplace until they have had 2 negative tests at least 24 hours apart.  Where possible, it is highly advisable for employers to ask their staff to stay at home until this time.

On a practical level, keeping the workplace as safe as possible will limit the number of staff who succumb to covid generally. 

We understand that the impact of the pandemic is still being felt deeply by employees, leaders and HR practitioners. For more information or guidance, please contact imadarescu@astonbond.co.uk or

01753 486777