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[Daisy51]

I am having problems at work due to my menopause. They have taken work off me and said if they feel that my symptoms (anxiety, tearfulness) are affecting my colleagues & the company then they will send me home.  This is just not right I just feel they are watching me 24/7 to see if I am ok & are looking for any excuse to get rid of me.
Has anyone else been subjected to this sort of treatment and how did you deal with it, I just feel so alone 😓

[Taz2]

Hi Daisy51. I'm so sorry you are going through this. I didn't have work taken off me but did consider resigning from my job when the hot flushes etc made me feel I wasn't doing my job efficiently. I then began HRT at 53 which sorted it all out for me.

It may be that your employer is doing their best to make you feel you can go home if you need to? Will they send you home on full pay or will it be sick leave? It's horrible to feel so uncertain which I'm sure doesn't help with your anxiety levels. Have you consulted your GP?

You are not alone in these feelings and you will get help and support on here.

Taz x 

[CLKD]

Morning.  There is a move to make companies 'menopause aware'.  How large is the company for whom you work?  Anything over 200 should have guidelines in place for many issues. 

Is there a hierarchy in your work place, i.e. do you answer to a specific manager?  If so, write a letter stating how you feel during this change, asking for a discussion with another colleague to take notes.  Is there a Union?

There also has to be a procedure of putting people off sick: 3 months with full pay, 6 with half pay for example.  This will be in your Contract.

[Daisy51]

Thank you for your replies ladies it makes me feel better that I am not alone.
It is a small company & I am being made to feel that I am not wanted. I have worked there a long time & I have never had anymore than 1 week off sick & have worked all through lockdown but my menopause symptoms have made it difficult.  It’s a struggle some days to actually get up and go to work without being made to feel that I am not welcome when I get there. 
I just have this feeling that they are going to get rid of me as they have said that the work they have taken off me now means my job is not a full time position but that’s not fair I feel it is discrimination or am I over thinking it 😓

[CLKD]

U R certainly not over thinking.  What management hierarchy is in place?  Small companies have to comply, I would seek legal advice - is there a Union or go to Citizens Advice Bureau or Health and Safety at Work at your local Council offices, who may be able to guide you in the correct direction.

Do write a short list of how you are feeling.  We can become paranoid - however, if work is being taken 'away' then the Company has an obligation to call you in to discuss the reasons.  Has there been a change of management in the last 18 months?

[Daisy51]

No there has not been any change in hierarchy.
They did call me in for a meeting and I was really embarrassed as the meeting was conducted by a male colleague, I told  them I was embarrassed and the way I am feeling is affecting my whole life not just work. 
Surely I have rights and should not be made to feel like I am not good enough to do my job anymore.  I have been doing this job for over 5 years now and I have never had any complaints.
No one talks to me anymore and I am being ostracised and it is making me feel like I am not good enough.
I was thinking of taking legal advice but I am not sure we’re I stand as they don’t have a menopause policy in place.

[Rosie63]

This all sounds very unfair to me, to the point of being illegal !  I know nothing about this sort of thing but just wondering whether it would be worth going the to Citizens Advice Bureau.  They might be able to give you some pointers on how to approach the situation. I might be wrong here.....what do others think ? 

Rosie63 x

[Joaniepat]

Look for Diane Danzebrink's website The Menopause Support Network.  From there you can find, and ask to join, their private Facebook group. You will get advice and support from them.

JP x

[Daisy51]

Thank you for the support & information ladies you don’t know how much it makes me feel better that there are people out there that have got your back. ❤️

[Jellyb]

Please also speak to ACAS. It's free to use for employees & employers. Completely confidential & they can advise on employment matters and if you employer is treating you unfairly.

[CLKD]

Good idea about ACAS.

Companies should have a protocol.  There should also be a regular appraisal system between the employee and their line manager.   I would make a list stating how symptoms are making me feel, that "I am aware that I appear a little scatty due to changing hormone levels so I need to know how you will help me manage my work load during the next 3 months".  Put it into writing and obviously keep a copy.  U can also direct the line manager to this site ;-) "I know that menopause is a learning curve for many but I am finding much more from MM" ;-)

We tend to get a little sensitive during The Change so getting it into writing sooner rather than later is important.  What is your office group, mainly men or some older women?

[Daisy51]

It’s mainly men but there is 3 women but they are all younger than me.
I just feel like everyone is watching me but it could be me being paranoid. They have taken work off me & it feels like they are making my job non existent and are going to make me redundant. 
I have never had an appraisal in all the time I have worked there.

[Jellyb]

Please do speak with ACAS.  Do it today!  You will feel much better once you have a professional opinion of how you're being treated.

[CLKD]

It should be company policy to appraise their employees. 

Get on that 'phone ! then let us know  . Stop surmising ......... if you ring ACAS you are more in control because knowledge is power.

[Jenna]

Hi Daisy51,

Here's some useful information that could help:

https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/menopause_at_work.php