UK’s Largest Business Group Signs Menopause Workplace Pledge

Last week, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) agreed to sign the Menopause Workplace Pledge, which aims to correct the lack of awareness and support for women and non-binary people in the workplace who are experiencing menopause. 

While women make up around half of the UK workplace, approximately 900,000 have left their jobs due to periods, fertility struggles, pregnancy, or menopause. 

Recent research by FSB found that 63% of small businesses employ at least one woman aged 50 or over. The group hopes that more small businesses will sign the pledge in a bid to retain female talent. 

Julie Lilley, CEO of the Federation of Small Businesses said: “I’m pleased that we’ve signed the Pledge; women over 50 are the fastest growing section of the workforce and it’s important that women get the support they need.”

“Employers and the economy are missing out on huge numbers of exceptionally talented women – and I want to do all I can to make sure that FSB isn’t going to miss out on that amazing pool of talent.”

The Menopause Workplace Pledge has also been recently signed by the Civil Service, with Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid, commenting: “This pledge will ensure women working across the civil service feel supported. I encourage other businesses to do the same – big companies, such as Asda and Thames Water, are already joining us with this pledge to make sure their workplaces have menopause strategies in place.”