The House of Commons is to become a “menopause-friendly” workplace with a range of new measures including better-ventilated rooms and flexible working.
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle will sign a Menopause Workplace Pledge on Monday in the presence of campaigners Penny Lancaster, Lisa Snowdon, Liz Earle and Mariella Frostrup.
He said he wanted to “break the taboo” and get “everyone in our parliamentary village talking about it”.
Sir Lindsay added: “After all, we men are the husbands, partners, brothers, sons and colleagues of those facing the menopause, so it is particularly important that we are onboard as allies to offer our support and understanding.”
The Speaker hopes workplace changes, such as more breathable uniforms for female staff, better-ventilated rooms with new fans, on-site clinical nurses, and flexible working to accommodate symptoms, will help those affected.
The Wellbeing of Women charity is the organisation behind the pledge, which Sir Lindsay hopes will also be implemented by MPs across their constituency offices.
The Speaker has not announced any action on period-related issues, however.
Spain recently brought in a new initiative offering up to three days off work a month to women who experience menstrual pain – the first of its kind in Europe.
Bupa has estimated that nearly a million women in the UK have been forced to quit their jobs due to menopause symptoms, which include hot flushes and mood swings.
The civil service signed the Menopause Workplace Pledge at an event on Tuesday.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: “For some women, the symptoms of the menopause can be extremely debilitating and it’s absolutely crucial they feel confident asking for support at work.
“This pledge will ensure women working across the civil service feel supported.”
