Financial Services Union launch Menopause workplace guidance policy

The Financial Services Union have today on World Menopause Day launched a comprehensive workplace guidance policy on the Menopause called “You Don’t Just Go Through the Menopause At Home.”

The document argues that Menopause is a workplace issue and employers need to adopt a workplace policy which deals with the issue in a compassionate and professional manner.

Speaking at the launch of the document Mandy La Combre, Senior Industrial Relations Officer with the FSU said:

“Despite pressure from unions, some employers have been slow to recognise that special consideration is required for women suffering through menopause in the workplace. It is important both workers and employers are informed and aware of how symptoms can affect the ability to conduct one’s job, and how workplace environments can sometimes exasperate symptoms.

Menopause has long been viewed as strictly a ‘private and personal matter’ shrouded in stigma, but with more women than ever in the workplace employers have a responsibility to consider the difficulties women may experience during menopause.

The FSU have successfully campaigned for a Menopause policy in the main retail Banks, and we welcome the progressive approach taken by Danske, AIB, Ulster Bank and Bank of Ireland in agreeing workplace policy on the Menopause with the FSU.

The Government have launched an awareness campaign which we support. We urge all employers to treat the Menopause as an important workplace issue and show leadership in supporting women who are dealing with the symptoms of Menopause.

This support needs to include up to 10 days paid leave and training and education for staff and management.

The FSU Guidance policy sets out a draft policy that employers can adopt which can finally put behind us decades of women feeling isolated and alone, suffering through symptoms in work with no support “

ENDS

Visit our Menopause page for more information: https://www.fsunion.org/wmd2022