During the course of this year, we have been speaking to our clients about the many and varied legal issues that can arise out of the menopause.

A new protected characteristic?

In an article we wrote earlier this year, we reported on speculation that the menopause could become a new ‘protected characteristic’ under the Equality Act 2010. In this way, employees would no longer need to rely on claims for sex, disability and/or age discrimination in order to assert their legal rights. 

During the summer, the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee has published a 56-page report, documenting the conclusions of its investigation into menopause and the workplace. Interestingly, one of their recommendations has been for the government to immediately consult on the prospect of making the menopause a protected characteristic.

Previous comments made by the government suggest there are no current plans to update or expand the ambit of the Equality Act 2010. However, is it possible that a Liz Truss-led government might adopt a different approach? Time will tell

Want to read more?

If you would like to read the Women and Equalities Committee’s report in full, follow the link below

https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5803/cmselect/cmwomeq/91/report.html