Should the EU have a menopause policy for the workplace? Lessons from the UK

Abstract This article examines whether the European Union (EU) should consider menopause as a workplace issue, drawing lessons from the United Kingdom (UK). It finds that existing UK equality laws provide fragmented protection, requiring menopause-related claims to be framed through sex, age or disability discrimination, often with significant difficulties. Although the recently introduced UK’s Equality (Menopause) Action Plans significantly raise the profile of menopause in the workplace, requiring employers to take actions to support those who experience menopause, they confer no individual rights and risk inconsistent application. The article concludes that menopause is a workplace gender equality issue requiring coordinated EU action, including data collection, employer guidance, awareness-raising and the exchange of best practice.