Tamworth campaigner supports new government ambassador for menopause employment plan
Justine Elliott aims to improve workplaces for those going through the menopause
Last updated 18th Oct 2024
A Tamworth woman's telling us how workplaces can make changes to support their staff experiencing the menopause.
It's as the Government announced a new ambassador for menopause employment - to coincide with World menopause day.
Justine Elliott works in the construction industry and says it's even harder in a male-dominated workforce.
"When you enter into menopause, it's even more difficult to be able to talk about your symptoms, or cope with your symptoms, when you're working in a male-dominated industry."
She tells us about the barriers facing women going through the menopause at work.
"I believe there's 14 million work days lost per year due to sickness of people not wanting to go into work because of menopause symptoms. And we have to do something to combat that."
The company Justine works for, Lovell Homes, runs seminars for employees on coping with the menopause in the workplace. They also have an online menopause clinic for consultations and treatment for their employees.
And Justine says it's not just women who want to learn more about coping with the menopause at work.
"I'm very pleased to say quite a lot of our male colleagues are very eager to understand the menopause, because they're not suffering along - they've got wives or mothers that are going through the menopause."
She tells us why she's supportive of the government's announcement that TV presenter Mariella Frostrup will be the new ambassador for menopause employment.
"I'm fortunate that I'm in a senior leadership position where I can influence the business I work for. But not everybody's in that position.
"So to have someone in government looking at employment rights and menopause and the workplace can only be a good thing."
She says anyone suffering with menopause symptoms should reach out for support.
"Don't suffer in silence. 25% of women going into senior roles are going through the menopause, and they're considering quitting.
"I was one of those people because I thought I'd lost my edge and I was going to have to step back. And I would say - don't do it. You don't need to suffer in silence or give up your career."
Mariella Frostrup says she's "honoured and delighted" to become the Government's new ambassador for menopause employment.
She says she'll work to tackle this "gender specific inequity" which can see women suffer in the workplace - and even end up having to leave work.