Menopause: UK employment law

Essential points

• The CIPD defines the menopause as “a natural stage of life when oestrogen levels decline and periods stop”. According to the NHS, the menopause occurs when periods have stopped for over 12 months. 
• Menopause is preceded by perimenopause. This occurs when someone has symptoms of the menopause, but their periods have not stopped. 
• There is no piece of employment legislation that deals specifically with the menopause. Instead, cases relating to the menopause are predominately brought under discrimination legislation. 
• Employers also have a legal obligation to undertake suitable and sufficient health and safety risk assessments in the workplace. Risk assessments should consider the specific needs of people undergoing a menopause transition to ensure that the working environment does not aggravate symptoms.