'Thrive at work' | Government launches landmark gender pay gap & workplace menopause action plans

Large employers are being encouraged to publish action plans outlining how they will tackle gender pay gaps and support staff through menopause under new government proposals unveiled ahead of International Women’s Day 2026.

The plans, announced by the Minister for Women and Equalities, will apply to organisations with 250 or more employees and aim to shift employers from simply reporting pay gaps to taking practical steps to address them.

While the plans will initially be voluntary from April, the government has indicated it intends to make them mandatory in future through legislation.

Government calls for employer action on gender pay gap

Launching the initiative, Bridget Phillipson MP said the plans are intended to help more women remain and progress in the workforce.