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Dumfries and Galloway Council is committed to providing an inclusive working environment for all employees, where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect. We are also committed to providing support to and enabling employees to maintain their health and wellbeing. Members of our Council’s Economy and Resources Committee (21 Nov) will hear about the Council’s new Menopause Policy, which recognises our Council’s commitment to creating a supportive and understanding workplace for employees who are affected in any way by the menopause. In recognition of this commitment, the Council will become accredited as having the Wellbeing of Women Menopause Workplace Pledge.

In the UK, women of menopausal age are the fastest growing workforce demographic. The average age to reach menopause is 51, and nearly 8 in 10 are in work. With 3 in 4 experiencing symptoms and as many as 1 in 5 considering leaving work during their menopause due to the lack of support for menopause in the workplace. There is an increased focus by employers on the symptoms and impacts of menopause and nationally this has become a key focus for employers.

Our Council’s workforce in Dumfries and Galloway is predominantly female (75%), with 21% of our female workforce aged between 45 and 54. According to reports, this age group typically experiences the early stages of menopause (perimenopause) or has reached menopause. The effects of menopause can have an impact on the daily lives of employees, and in turn this can influence performance and attendance at work. It is therefore important that the Council considers what arrangements need to be put in place to support the needs of our workforce in relation to menopause.

Whilst menopause itself is not a specific protected characteristic, under the Equality Act 2010 sex, age and disability are all characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 which provide protection against unfair treatment of employees going through the menopause. Whilst the guidance may refer to ‘women’, our Council recognises that transgender, non-binary, and intersex employees may experience menopause, either due to age-related hormonal changes or hormone treatments and surgeries.

The benefits of this policy to our council are:

• A more motivated, healthy and productive workforce.
• Recognition that wellbeing at the heart of what we do.
• Reduce sickness absence.
• Increase retention of skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced staff.
• Attract high calibre talent to jobs within the Council.
• supports the Council as an Employer of Choice.
• A more inclusive workplace.
• Improved equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Improved performance and quality of services.

The aims and objectives of this policy is to provide as much support and flexibility as possible to employees and to help them sustain and improve their quality of working and out of work lives.

The Supporting Our People Through the Menopause Policy will contribute to the achievement of the Council Plan’s Health and Wellbeing theme and strategic outcomes. The Policy will support our workforce to lead happy and healthy lives and will promote positive physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Chair of Economy and Resources committee, Councillor Ian Carruthers said: “Our Council is committed to providing support to and enabling all of our employees to maintain their health and wellbeing. This important policy will enable staff affected by menopause to take time to manage their symptoms and will be encouraged to be proactive in getting the right support at the right time to help them stay healthy at work.”

Vice Chair, David Inglis went on to say: “Menopause is a natural phase of life, and it is not always an easy transition for some people. The symptoms can affect how people work and how they live their everyday lives. Taking a proactive approach to put in place fair, supportive and sustainable workplace measures relating to menopause, supports a wellbeing culture and will have a positive impact for our staff.”

ENDS

To read the full report, go to: Agenda for Economy and Resources Committee on Tuesday, 21st November, 2023, 10.30 am - Dumfries and Galloway Council (moderngov.co.uk)