James Sunderland calls on the Government to support all those going through the menopause, including the wider availability of hormone replacement therapy, and asks about offering paid leave to those who need time off work to attend clinics for medical support.
Menopause: Workplace Support
James Sunderland (Bracknell) (Con)
3. What steps his Department is taking to improve workplace support for women experiencing menopause. (905449)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mims Davies)
I have appointed Helen Tomlinson as the first ever Department for Work and Pensions menopause employment champion, and she is driving awareness of issues around the menopause and employment and what challenges women may have. She has already met with members of the DWP’s 50Plus Choices roundtable group; with the Chair of the Women and Equalities Select Committee; with Dame Lesley Regan, the women’s health ambassador; and with Andy Briggs, the Government’s business champion for older workers. We are working with sectors and with large and small employers to disseminate best practice.
James Sunderland
It is really important that we in this place do what we can to support all those going through the menopause, including the wider availability of hormone replacement therapy. Are the Government considering offering paid leave to those who may need time off work to attend clinics for medical support, noting also the variation and inconsistency of those offering (medical) support for those going through the menopause?
Mims Davies
The Government expect employers to treat their staff well and fairly, and to accommodate all sorts of flexibility requests. My hon. Friend will be pleased to know that a private Member’s Bill, the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill, is going through Parliament, and we will ensure the development of flexible working policies, which is crucial.