Article by Nyaradzo Nyakatawa and Chris Pavlou, specialist employment lawyers at Excello Law
The retailer Timpson recently announced that it will pay for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) prescriptions for employees experiencing menopausal symptoms. This voluntary move has been praised by both MPs and charities alike.
Last July, the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee launched an inquiry into workplace issues surrounding the menopause. Hopefully, this will prompt the government to advance meaningful policy proposals to support women during this time; for now, however, it falls to employers to take steps to support staff experiencing difficulties.
Timpson’s move is positive, since it recognises the serious impact that the menopause can have on employees. That said, it remains to be seen whether other businesses will follow suit. They might be wise to do so, not least since, in recent years, Employment Tribunal cases concerning the menopause have been on the rise. The data shows that there were 6 cases in 2019, 16 in 2020 and 10 in the first six months of 2021 alone. Yet this is merely the tip of the iceberg, given the vast number of women affected, and the lack of awareness which too often characterises employers’ responses.
Awareness of the serious health difficulties that the menopause can cause is now becoming more widespread. The issue was even recently highlighted by singer Rod Stewart, who called for greater education about the menopause, as he spoke about the difficulties his wife had experienced. Mr Stewart’s wife, Penny Lancaster is now actively campaigning for better support for women during menopause, and for prescription charges for HRT to be abolished.
The menopause is not currently a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010 per se. However, the House of Commons Women and Equalities Commission has mooted recommending that the legislation be changed to specifically recognise the menopause as a protected characteristic. However, although it is not recognised as a standalone protected characteristic at present, women can bring claims as part of an age, sex or disability discrimination claim. These are the bases for many of the claims now coming before the Employment Tribunal.
In terms of the symptoms experienced during the menopause, the NHS notes that 8 in 10 women experience some symptoms, but that, “The duration and severity of these symptoms varies from woman to woman.” The NHS says that “On average, most symptoms last around 4 years from [a woman’s] last period. However, around 1 in every 10 women experience them for up to 12 years.” The symptoms include night sweats, hot flushes, difficulty sleeping, problems with memory and concentration, headaches, mood changes, palpitations and recurrent urinary tract infections. The NHS says symptoms “can have a significant impact on daily life for some women.” The potentially long duration of symptoms is also a significant factor.
It is understandable that those with more severe symptoms could find their ability to work significantly impacted for a long period of time. The Equality Act 2010 defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term negative effect on a person’s ability to do normal daily activities. “Long term” is defined as lasting for 12 months or more. It is abundantly clear that significant, debilitating, long-term menopause symptoms that last more than a year may meet the legal definition of a disability. In such a scenario, employers have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate the disabled person. Employers should discuss the situation with the employee sensitively and see if suitable measures can be agreed. In some cases, medical reports and occupational health advice may be helpful. It could be that simple adjustments, such as a change of duties or hours of work would serve as a reasonable adjustment, which makes work more manageable. A different working environment, or working from home more often, may also assist employees in managing symptoms.
It has been reported that almost a million British women have left work due to the menopause. Many of these might have been entitled to ask their employer to consider reasonable adjustments to allow for their symptoms. However, many may not have been aware of this legal entitlement. Many could be able to seek compensation, if they were unfairly dismissed, discriminated against, or constructively dismissed due to their menopause symptoms.
To avoid such claims, and to proactively support their employees, employers should take a positive approach to the menopause. This should involve building an understanding of the potential long term health consequences of the menopause and identifying concrete ways to help support employees during it. Promoting greater awareness of the menopause within organisations will no doubt have a positive impact on the welfare and retention of employees and in turn business productivity.
Chris Pavlou is a specialist employment lawyer and partner at Excello Law
Nyaradzo Nyakatawa is a specialist employment solicitor at Excello Law
April
23apr12:0013:00The Perfect CV Masterclass | WeAreTheCity & City CV
23/04/2025 12:00 - 13:00(GMT+01:00)
WeAreTheCity & City CV are thrilled to present
Your CV is the passport to your professional future. The right one will bypass the technology and the initial 5-second human scan to earmark you for your target role. Isn’t that what a great CV is all about?
Writing your own CV doesn’t come naturally. Everyone benefits from fresh eyes, perspective and industry insight. Your CV must articulate your distinctive skills and attributes in a way that shows the value you bring to your future employer. With fewer open roles in the market, it’s never been more important to understand what recruiters look for in a CV, overhaul your CV and have your burning questions answered.
In this one-hour masterclass, learn CV writing tips and strategies from Victoria McLean, Founder and CEO of City CV – and a career industry expert, award winning CV writer and coach, who has helped over 20,000 candidates secure their dream role. Victoria has developed a nuanced and strategic approach, fusing market knowledge with a deep understanding of recruitment techniques to help build your brand and create a compelling CV story.
Learn how to create a strong and authentic CV which will get you noticed for the right reasons. Expertise and insider knowledge gathered from years of international CV writing and recruiting will be shared, including:
Looking for more career support? Explore our Career Resources page. Ready to take the next step? Browse the latest opportunities on our Job Board and find your perfect role today!
24apr10:0010:45Menopause & Mental Health | Free Taster Session
24/04/2025 10:00 - 10:45(GMT+01:00)
Menopause can have a profound impact on mental health – but too often, this is misunderstood, overlooked, or even ignored in professional environments. While organisations are
The truth is, for many women and those experiencing menopause, symptoms can go far beyond hot flushes. Brain fog, anxiety, low mood, and sleep disruption can affect confidence, performance, and overall mental health. Without the right support in place, these challenges can lead to increased absenteeism, presenteeism, or even cause people to leave the workforce altogether.
This 45-minute session is designed to change that. It’s a practical, supportive space for managers, HR professionals and wellbeing leads to build the confidence to spot the signs, open up conversations and create a culture where no one has to suffer in silence.
Whether you’re at the beginning of this journey or looking to strengthen your organisation’s approach, this session will help you better understand the mental health impact of menopause – and empower you to respond with empathy and confidence.
You’ll walk away with:
✅ A clearer understanding of how menopause can affect mental health in the workplace
✅ Confidence to recognise when someone may be struggling – and how to offer support
✅ A simple, effective approach to starting wellbeing conversations that make a difference
DATE: Thursday 24 April 2025
TIME: 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
This isn’t about becoming an expert – it’s about showing up, listening, and learning how to create an environment where people feel seen, heard and supported.
Because when organisations take menopause seriously, everyone benefits.
Let’s start the conversation.
29apr11:4514:00Women in Business Networking - London networking - London City
29/04/2025 11:45 - 14:00(GMT+01:00)
The Anthologist
58 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7BB
Kick off your 2025 in style by networking with us. A fabulous mix of formal & informal networking over a facilitated business lunch
WIBN networking is here to create a platform for like-minded women, who passionately drive their business forward and collaborate with others to help them achieve success.
WIBN is a business network organisation for women business owners and employed professionals, who network each month over a facilitated business lunch. Our members support and encourage each other through collaboration and the sharing of business contacts and opportunities. The meetings are structured and effective, whilst also being supportive and friendly!
As Women Business Owners we know that one person can transform your business but think what you could achieve with a tribe of supportive and passionate business owners?? At WIBN we recognise that often women lack relevant networking opportunities simply because they network in a different way to men!
Our monthly meetings are a fabulous mix of formal and informal networking which includes your own 60 secs pitch, a focused spotlight session from a member and lunch.Our philosophy in this group is simple – No sister left behind! Come along to our WIBN group as a visitor and experience the potential to grow your business in a more productive way.
WIBN has a professional exclusivity policy so it’s one profession per group – see below * . As long as your profession is not already represented you would be welcome to visit a group twice before deciding if you want to join.
WIBN is a monthly membership group and a 12 month commitment will be required after you have visited a maximum of two times. Full details and prices will be given at the meeting.
*in the event that your profession is already represented at your chosen meeting then the organiser saves the right to propose another place or date. If we cannot relocate you then a full refund will be given.
30apr10:0016:00Women's Health Champion Course (CPD Accredited)
30/04/2025 10:00 - 16:00(GMT+01:00)
Periods, menopause,
They’re everyday realities for millions of women and they directly impact performance, engagement and retention.
But stigma, silence and a lack of knowledge mean many managers and HR professionals don’t know how to spot the signs or have the right conversations.
It’s time to change that.
Our Women’s Health Champion Training is designed to break the silence and build real, practical support in your organisation – every single day.
Delivered by two expert trainers, this engaging course covers:
✅ Menstrual health and managing period-related challenges
✅ Fertility, pregnancy, and baby loss (including returning to work)
✅ Gynaecological conditions like endometriosis, fibroids and PCOS
✅ Menopause and long-term wellbeing
✅ Practical strategies to create a truly inclusive culture
Date: Wednesday 30th April 2025
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Place: Zoom
Cost: £495 per person
Or get in touch if you’d like us to create a bespoke course for your organisation.