Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mel Stride and Simon Jupp

Monday 13th November 2023 Commons Chamber

[Simon Jupp (East Devon) (Con)]

1. What steps his Department is taking to help improve workplace support for women experiencing the menopause.

[The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mel Stride)]

We take the challenges of the menopause very seriously, which is why the Government appointed Helen Tomlinson as the menopause employment champion for England. In terms of progress, I point my hon. Friend to the report, “No Time to Step Back”.

[Simon Jupp]

I welcome the work by campaigners and Devon’s NHS to improve access to menopause services in Devon. Almost 80% of menopausal women are in work, yet all too often support can be lacking. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to raise menopause awareness among employers?

[Mel Stride]

I thank my hon. Friend for his question and for his extensive work as my constituency neighbour, pushing for proper support in all GP practices across the county. We lead by example: 64% of the Department’s staff are female and we have a menopause and workplace policy, which sees 350 menopause ambassadors across our DWP network.