New guidance on menopause welcomed by Thursfields | Employment law

An employment law expert at Thursfields Solicitors has welcomed new guidance on menopause from workplace expert Acas.

Lauren Cope, a Solicitor in the Employment team at Thursfields’ Solihull office, was commenting on the online document that can help employers and managers to support staff affected by menopause symptoms, along with tips for workers on how to raise concerns.

The key points in the advice for employers include the following:

• Create an open and trusted culture among staff
• Provide awareness training for managers to deal with concerns sensitively
• Consider practical assistance, such as altering working hours or providing equipment, such as desk fans, and
• Carefully manage sickness absence or a dip in job performance.

Lauren said: “This is an excellent online advice document that should be read, shared and acted upon by all employers.

The menopause is a natural occurrence and by helping staff to deal with this in the workplace employers will only increase work rates, quality and loyalty.

But aside from the positive human outcome, employers should take the issue seriously as there are laws that can be used to protect anyone who feels they are not being treated properly at work as a result.”

Anyone needing guidance on menopause issue at work can contact Lauren Cope at LCope@thursfields.co.uk  or on  0121 796 4026, extension 5285.