IS MENOPAUSE A DISABILITY?

NEWS FLASH, NEWS FLASH

"IS MENOPAUSE A DISABILITY?"

(article verified by John A Elliott 2024)

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has sparked controversy with new guidance on menopause in the workplace.

Menopause symptoms can be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010 if they have a "long-term and substantial impact" on someone's ability to carry out their daily tasks, according to the watchdog. So employers could face legal action if they do not make "reasonable adjustments" for menopausal women.

'More than an employment issue'

Menopause is "stigmatised, under-researched and its symptoms undertreated", thanks to sexism and ageism, said The Observer. But the EHRC guidance risks legitimising those harmful stereotypes.

Most menopausal women's symptoms can be treated "relatively easily and cheaply" through hormone replacement therapy (HRT), said the paper. But only 14% are taking HRT. Many GPs are "reluctant" to prescribe it, and "acute shortages" are also causing problems.

Talking about the struggles of menopause is "always a good thing in breaking the taboo", Dr Louise Newsom, a GP and member of the government's menopause taskforce, told The Telegraph. But ultimately, "this is a healthcare issue more than an employment issue".

Anna van Praagh at the London Evening Standard read the guidance with "horror". It makes the prospect of hiring someone my age "about as attractive as walking headfirst into a lorry", she said.

Made to 'jump through hoops' 

Critics have "misread what the EHRC actually says", said Kathleen Stock in The Times. The watchdog is not arguing that menopause counts as a disability, but rather that debilitating symptoms might count as such.

Don't forget that one in 10 women say they have left a job because of the menopause, Eleanor Mills, founder of online platform Noom and former editor of The Sunday Times magazine, told The Telegraph. About 25% of women "really suffer at this point in their lives".

Women are made to "jump through hoops of fire" to get the support they need, broadcaster Narinder Kaur told MailOnline. Menopause isn't a disability, but "it is debilitating". Although the new guidance will not remove the stigma, "it's high time it's recognised".

THIS ARTICLE IS PUBLISHED HERE IN GOOD FAITH FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. PLEASE DO YOUR OWN VERIFICATIONS ABOUT THIS DELICATE SUBJECT

Brought to you by https://thecorner4women.com together with our sister website http://www.nicheebookcollections.com and our growing e-book library available FREE, through our Newsletter sign up page here:-

https://tc4women.nicheebookcollections.com/NEWSLETTER-EBOOK-LIBRARY-SIGNUP.html