Not-for-profit, affordable healthcare provider Benenden Health has hosted a highlevel roundtable at Portcullis House with parliamentarians and leading experts to address the growing number of women leaving the workforce due to inadequate support for menopause symptoms. The discussion comes ahead of the launch of the Government's Menopause Action Plans, a key element of the landmark Employment Rights Bill (2025).

Benenden Health has been campaigning on behalf of its 870,000+ membership since publishing its research in February, which revealed that more than a quarter (28%) of women surveyed have considered leaving their jobs because of the menopause.

The roundtable was chaired by Christine Jardine MP, a member of the Women and Equalities Select Committee who has been a vocal advocate for improved policy around women's health, with Dr Amy Pressland, Head of Talent and Performance at Benenden Health, presenting the findings. They were joined by Claire McCartney, Policy and Practice Manager at CIPD, and Jenny Haskey, CEO of The Menopause Charity, who provided expert insight and calls to action.

Also in attendance was Baroness Verma (Conservative), Helen Tomlinson, Head of Inclusion at Adecco, Lynda Bailey, Director & Founder at Making Menopause Work, Julie Dennis, Head of Inclusive Workplace Strategy and Policy at Acas, Janet Lindsay, Chief Executive at Wellbeing of Women, Dr Catherine Durkin, Joint Presidential Lead for Women and Mental Health at Royal College of Psychiatrists, Irina Do Carmo, Researcher at Unite the Union, Mike Hay, Chief People Officer at Benenden Health, Claire Harley, Hospital Director at Benenden Hospital and Dr Fiona Warner, women's specialist GP at Benenden Hospital.

Claire McCartney of the CIPD noted that organisations are facing rising costs, geopolitical pressures and weakened hiring intentions, with many expecting the Employment Rights Bill to add further strain. She stressed that menopause support must be meaningful rather than a tickbox exercise, forming part of a wider approach that includes menstrual and pregnancy support and fosters open workplace cultures. McCartney also highlighted the need to consider women outside office environments, where uniforms, physical roles and long shifts can intensify symptoms.

Jenny Heskey of The Menopause Charity called for lived experience to be central to policy and for women to have access to trusted information, expert guidance and safe spaces. She warned that stigma leads to underreporting and serious mental health consequences, and emphasised the need for broader education across ages, ethnicities and health circumstances. Roundtable contributors echoed the need for early education, better manager training, culturally accessible support and leadership that normalises discussion, alongside a shift towards supporting women's hormonal health across the life course.

Dr Amy Pressland of Benenden Health notes, “To sit in Westminster with MPs, Peers and industry experts, and share the Benenden Health Menopause research demonstrates the criticality of this topic for business and the UK. This roundtable discussion was not just about women’s health – although that lies at the heart of this campaign – it was also about women's contribution to society. When nearly 1/3 women are considering leaving work due to menopausal symptoms and not getting the support they need, this is a national workforce challenge with critical implications for talent loss, productivity and economic growth.

“Menopausal women (8 in 10 women will go through the menopause whilst working) are the largest growing demographic in the UK. And yet 47% have already reduced their working hours and turned down promotions because their employer is not equipped to support them.

“Benenden Health is proud to support women, HR teams, the wider public and government officials to better understand the scope of the menopause impact at work, clinical expertise on the menopause and tangible, low-cost solutions for businesses.”

Christine Jardine MP adds, "Too many women are being forced to step back from their careers, not because they lack the talent or ambition, but because they aren’t getting the support they need during the menopause.

“This is not just a health issue — it's an economic and workplace equality issue. We must ensure that employers are equipped to respond with understanding, flexibility and practical support, so that women can continue to thrive at every stage of their working lives.”

Benenden Health’s Chief People Officer, Mike Hay and Nurse Consultant, Dr Cheryl Lythgoe were part of business advisory groups working with the Menopause Action Plan team last year, ahead of the voluntary rollout in April 2026 and mandatory rollout in April 2027.

Benenden Health also offers a specialist one-to-one menopause coaching service to its members, with recent data showing that out of all the coaching appointments available via their app, menopause is second only to mental health, with more than one in four of those members accessing this support service.