Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps she is taking with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade to help ensure adequate levels of workplace (a) support and (b) flexibility for women experiencing menopause symptoms in Yeovil constituency

Effective workplace support for menopause symptoms is crucial not only for employee wellbeing, but also because if women cannot access the support they need, employers will miss out on their skills and experience.

This Spring, we launched voluntary action plans for large employers, encouraging them to publish what they are doing to support employees experiencing menopause, alongside the steps they are taking to address their gender pay gap.

We have published step-by-step guidance, including a list of evidence-informed actions, to support employers in developing their action plans. Our common-sense actions include menopause training for managers, transparent, flexible working policies, and tailored workplace adjustments.

This guidance is available to employers across the country, including in Yeovil constituency, to support employers in providing effective support and flexibility for employees experiencing menopause.

In addition, other measures introduced under the Employment Rights Act 2025 encourage more supportive and flexible workplaces; for example, improved access to flexible working and enhanced Statutory Sick Pay can help employees manage menopause symptoms.