'A step backwards' | 'Menopause leave' law setback doesn't mean HR can ignore the situation

A proposal to introduce “menopause leave” in England has been rejected by Ministers, amid claims that the practice could be discriminatory towards men.

Published on Tuesday morning (January 24), in its Fourth Special Report - Menopause and the workplace: Government Response to the Committee’s First Report of Session 2022–2023, ministers rejected recommendations from the Women and Equalities Committee to introduce ‘Menopause Leave’ pilots to support those going through the menopause.

The official response outlined concerns of “unintended consequences which may inadvertently create new forms of discrimination, for example, discrimination risks towards men suffering from long-term medical conditions”.

A recommendation to make menopause a protected characteristic under the Equality Act has also been dismissed.