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Campaigner and broadcaster Mariella Frostrup, has been appointed as the Government’s new Menopause Employment Ambassador, appropriately announced on World Menopause Day.
World Menopause Day is held every year on 18th October to raise awareness of menopause and the support options available for improving health and wellbeing.
As Menopause Employment Ambassador, Mariella will work with employers across the UK to improve workplace support for women experiencing the menopause, raise awareness of the symptoms and champion the economic contributions of women.
A key focus of her work will be helping women going through the menopause stay in work and progress in their careers, and her appointment coincides with new measures in the recently announced Employment Rights Bill that will require large employers to produce plans on how they will support employees through the menopause.
CIPD research found almost 70% of women aged 40 to 60 in employment experiencing menopausal symptoms report this has a negative effect on them at work, and just over 50% are unable to go into work at some point due to menopause symptoms.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said:
“If we are going to get our country growing again, we have to make sure that everyone feels they can thrive at work. I know from personal experience how hard it can be for women going through menopause.
“I’m so thrilled that Mariella will be working with us to bring her years of knowledge and experience on this issue, so we can make sure that all women experiencing menopause symptoms get the support they need at work.“
Menopause Employment Ambassador, Mariella Frostrup said:
“I’m honoured and delighted to be appointed as the Government’s Menopause Employment Ambassador and to start working towards this government’s stated goal of creating fair and equitable workplaces for all.
“The loss of one in ten women from the workplace, often at the height of their professional careers, is damaging our economy and causing unnecessary suffering due to lack of information and support during this perfectly natural and manageable phase of life.
“I’m excited to get started and continue the important work done by my predecessor Helen Tomlinson to engage with businesses small and large and find solutions to what continues to be a gender specific inequity.”