The President of the Communities will sign the commitment to menopause in the workplace of the charity Wellbeing of Women, which will commit the Office of the House of Commons to supporting menopausal employees. Hoyle said he wants to create a culture of transparency in the menopause debate, as well as provide support to those affected. “I also want to break the taboo – as we did with mental health issues – and make everyone in our parliamentary village talk about menopause and offer support to those who go through it,” he said. “After all, we men are the spouses, partners, brothers, sons and colleagues of those who experience menopause, so it is especially important to be allies to offer our support and understanding.” Carolyn Harris, who chairs the Pan-Menopausal Parliamentary Group on Menopause, welcomed the move and called on other employers to follow suit. “Mr. Speaker understands how important women are in every workplace,” she said. “His proactive attitude shows his commitment and respect for women. “Mr Speaker sets the example – all good employers need to do the same.” Harris will be among those who will attend the signing ceremony for the President on Monday. According to the Wellbeing of Women, about 900,000 women have quit their jobs due to menopause. Hoyle said he did not want staff to avoid promotion or leave parliament because of menopausal symptoms and would encourage lawmakers to also sign the commitment so staff in their offices could be covered. Subscribe to the First Edition, our free daily newsletter – every morning at 7 p.m. BST In addition to breaking the taboo around the subject, possible practical adjustments could include well-ventilated areas and fans, flexible work suits and breathable suits. Other measures include counseling by clinical nurses and occupational health teams, permission for menopause-related appointments, and training for managers. The announcement comes after the largest survey of menopausal women in the UK last month found that 80% of respondents said their workplace lacked basic support. Sajid Javid, the Minister of Health, said: “For some women, the symptoms of menopause can be extremely debilitating and it is absolutely important that they feel confident in seeking support at work. “This promise will ensure that women working in all public services feel supported.” He encouraged other companies to do the same, noting that companies such as Asda and Thames Water are also signing the commitment to ensure that their workplaces implement menopause strategies.
