- Conference
- 2024 National Women's Conference
- Date
- 12 October 2023
- Decision
- Carried
Menopause let’s get it on every agenda
The menopause is part of the natural ageing process for most women. Commonly known as ‘the change’, it refers to the point in time when menstruation has ceased for twelve consecutive months and a person has reached the end of their reproductive life.
It is important to note that not every woman will notice every symptom, or even need help or support. However, 75% of women do experience some symptoms, and 25% could be classed as severe. On average, women continue to experience symptoms for four years after their last period, but around 10 per cent of women continue to experience symptoms for up to 12 years after their last period.
Physical symptoms associated with the onset of the peri-menopause can include: hot flushes, palpitations, night sweats, insomnia and sleep disturbances, fatigue, headaches, joint aches, dry skin and skin irritation, increased perspiration during the day, dry eyes, hair loss, urinary problems, vaginal dryness/itching/discomfort, irregular and/or heavy, painful periods, clots and flooding. There may also be associated psychological symptoms including: depression, anxiety, panic attacks, poor concentration, changes to mood, problems with memory, loss of confidence.
According to the aging workforce study 47% females are aged 45 and over – there is currently little, or no support given to a woman as she makes this transition in life.
Specialist advice and support is essential to maintaining attendance at work. Positive Occupational Health intervention can offer mangers a better understanding of their staff complexities, providing additional support for members who are experiencing menopause or living with a partner suffering during this time.
We would like to note that the menopause is not a sickness, it’s a natural part of a women ageing, however it is one that can cause temporary and even longer-term disabling events on the individual. The word sickness sends the wrong message when applied to symptoms of the menopause.
This conference calls for National Women’s Committee to:
– Work with the NEC to campaign Central and regional governments to get menopause on the agenda in discussions with employers and legislation and to specifically look at how UNISON can get:
o Employers to take menopause seriously and have detailed menopause policies.
o Employers to provide a specialist consultant within Occupational Health.
o An additional criteria to the recording of absenteeism to make allowances for episodes of menopause related absence without it being recorded as ‘sickness’.
o Employers to makes improvements for members to access flexible working opportunities, have more appropriate uniforms and be able to access breaks during work times (circumstances allowing) if there is a sudden onset of incontrollable symptoms.
o Employers to give women back their dignity. We demand to be listened to and treated fairly with recognition for natural but sometimes debilitating life transitions.
Cymru Wales Women’s Committee