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17th March 2011

NEWS IN BRIEF

The TUC has published new guidance on how employers and union reps can work together to support the 3.5 million women over 50 at work, for whom the menopause is an important occupational health issue.

The guidance is drawn from the experience of union health and safety representatives as well as new research published by the British Occupational Health Research Foundation in conjunction with the University of Nottingham.

“Supporting women through the menopause” is intended to help union reps raise the issue of the menopause in workplaces, and ensure that employers are aware that poor working conditions can aggravate symptoms.

It says that menopausal women can experience hot flushes, headaches, tiredness, sweating, anxiety attacks and an increase in stress levels.

High workplace temperatures, poor ventilation, poor or non-existent rest or toilet facilities, or a lack of access to cold drinking water at work can make all of these symptoms worse, the report says.

It suggests that:

• employers should ensure that all line managers have been trained to know how the menopause can affect work and what adjustments may be necessary to support women experiencing the menopause
• employers can provide guidance on how to deal with the menopause, which should be freely available
• women should have access to information how they can get support for issues that arise as a result of the menopause
• Sickness absence procedures should cater for menopause-related sickness absence
• Working time arrangements should be flexible enough to ensure they meet the needs of menopausal women, who may require to leave work suddenly or who may need more breaks during the day
• Risk assessments should consider the specific needs of menopausal women and ensure that the working environment does not make their symptoms worse

To access,the report, go to: http://www.tuc.org.uk

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