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[CLKD]

Menopause symptoms can be considered a disability and employers face being sued if they do not make "reasonable adjustments", a watchdog has said.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) issued the guidance to clarify the legal obligations to workers going through the menopause.

Symptoms can include hot flushes, brain fog and difficulty sleeping.

The EHRC said bosses should offer changes such as providing rest areas or flexible hours to help.

Relaxing uniform policies to allow women to wear cooler clothes could also help.



Menopause marks the end of a woman's menstrual cycle, and usually happens in her 40s or 50s.

Failing to make "reasonable adjustments" amounts to disability discrimination under the Equality Act 2010 if the symptoms have a "long-term and substantial impact" on a woman's ability to carry out their usual day-to-day activities, the EHRC said.

[CLKD]

Pregnancy isn't a disability 

[CLKD]

Will read the article in the Telegraph later

[sheila99]

So as we're all disabled we'll be entitled to a disability living allowance then??
 I think they might tie themselves up in knots over this one.

[CLKD]

Good point!  Haven't read the article yet.  Probably 1 to take to bed later.

[how's the sheepies sheila?]

[sheila99]

15 down, another 40 to go 😴

[CLKD]

PHEW   

[CLKD]

Not sure what the point of the article might have been in the Telegraph ......... no one actually came out to say 'menopause isn't a disability' 

There's another on menopause in one of the Sat papers - will read it later.

[CLKD]

The article about 'menopause at work' in the Times yesterday was more measured, it is obvious that the Press had access to the announcement earlier.  'what women really need' ?

It should be medic-focussed so that all GPs/Nurse Practitioners are aware of all the ages when peri might begin as well as what treatment is avialble.  Not fob women off with ADs or be worried about 'over dosing' on oestrogen.

Although any chronic condition can 'disable' people, menopause isn't a disability!!!!

[Jules]

I think this will cause a whole lot of problems for employers and women alike. Menopause is a natural life process. We're all affected differently but we are by all life processes. It is not a disability and suggesting it is will only make women feel worse. As if it isn't bad enough aging without being judged as different. I have ME and got very little consideration from managers and colleagues at work, no understanding of the effects, no patience, too much work and just wanted people to get on with the job. And that was a local authority department and we worked in mental health.

[CLKD]