29.04.2025

Menopause Employment Ambassador partners with industry leaders to support women to stay in work

Thousands of women are set to benefit from plans to boost workplace support as leaders from across industry, healthcare and the legal profession came together last week to form the first-ever independent Menopause Advisory Group.

Stark figures from the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development show that over half of women experiencing menopause (53 per cent) have not been able to attend work due to their symptoms, with 10 per cent leaving work for good – costing businesses around £1.5 billion every year.

Convened by the government’s Menopause Employment Ambassador, Mariella Frostrup, the group discussed the impact menopause can have on workers, current efforts to support women in work and businesses can work in partnership with government to ensure women don’t fall out of the work force due to menopause.

It comes alongside the government’s wider efforts to break down barriers to work, keep people in work and create a thriving and inclusive labour market which is central to unlocking economic growth as part of the plan for change.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: “For too long working women have suffered in silence or stopped working when they experience the menopause – a completely natural and normal part of life.

“A taboo and lack of understanding is holding back our nation’s growth and it’s time to tackle it head on.

“The first ever independent Menopause Advisory Group will bring together huge knowledge and experience on this vital issue so we can give women the support they need to remain and thrive in work, putting money in people’s pockets and delivering growth for our economy as part of the Plan for Change.”

Menopause Employment Ambassador, Mariella Frostrup said: "I’m delighted to have this incredible group of professionals helping me ensure that women in midlife, a time when we often have to balance so much responsibility, are properly supported at work.

"Far too many experienced and capable women are forced out of employment through no fault of their own, hurting their earnings and our nation’s economy. Together we can create a more supportive and happier workplace where everyone can succeed."

Fiona Vines, Director of Inclusion and Wellbeing at BT said: "We are proud to host the launch of the Government’s Menopause Employment Ambassador’s Advisory Group. At BT Group we understand the importance of supporting women’s health in the workplace. This event is an important opportunity to bring business leaders together with key government ministers to promote awareness and implement strategies to improve workplace support for women affected by menopause."

Jon Paull, COO at Octopus Energy, said: "Menopause affects half the population, yet for too long women were expected to manage it in silence. We support our team members through this transition so they can continue to do their jobs with confidence while being the best versions of themselves at work. This isn’t just good for their wellbeing and the happiness of our teams but also incredibly good for business. A true win-win."

The launch of the group comes as the government steers its flagship Employment Rights Bill through Parliament. As well as boosting workers’ rights and protections, the Bill also includes landmark legislation that requires large employers with more than 250 employees to produce and publish Menopause Action Plans detailing how they will support employees through the menopause.

The government has also started work on its £240 million Get Britain Working plans, launching the first two trailblazers to tackle inactivity in South Yorkshire and Wales in recent weeks with the reforms set to transform Jobcentres to focus on people’s skills and careers, guarantee young people the chance to earn or learn and provide mental health support to help people to start and stay in work.

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