Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any steps she is taking to reduce the number of women leaving the workforce, due to menopause-related health issues.
Minister for the Economy: The Irish Congress of Trade Unions, the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland and the Labour Relations Agency have produced guidance entitled ‘Promoting Equality in Employment for Women Affected by Menopause’.
All employers are recommended to consider this when developing their own workplace policies.
Many good employers already have flexible and supportive policies in place to facilitate homeworking, flexible hours or leave that goes beyond statutory minimums. I strongly encourage employers to offer these enhanced flexible and supportive working arrangements for their staff who require menopause support in the workplace.
The Employment Rights Bill, which I intend to introduce to the Assembly in the coming weeks, will enhance the statutory rights for all employees regarding flexible working and will hopefully further assist those who would benefit from flexible working due to menopause-related health issues.
ENDS
Your MLA 