Research from affordable healthcare provider into menopause support in the workplace sparks cross‑party demand for more robust Menopause Action Plans.

Not‑for‑profit healthcare provider Benenden Health has coordinated a major cross‑party intervention urging the Government to strengthen its forthcoming Menopause Action Plans. Drawing on its extensive work supporting businesses to create healthier, more inclusive workplaces, Benenden Health warns that the current proposals risk becoming “tick‑box exercises” unless they are grounded in lived experience and backed by clear, practical guidance that employers can confidently put into action.

The cross‑party letter, signed by more than 20 MPs and Peers from across political parties is addressed to the Minister for Women and Equalities, Bridget Phillipson MP. It welcomes the introduction of voluntary Menopause Action Plans from 2026 and mandatory requirements from 2027 but warns that the current guidance must be strengthened to ensure meaningful impact.

The signatories call for four key improvements:

• Action plans grounded in employee experience, requiring employers to engage directly with staff to ensure policies reflect real‑world needs

• Meaningful workplace flexibility, including adjustments to hours, location and workload

• Recognition of workplace healthcare support, ensuring menopause is embedded within wider occupational health and wellbeing provision

• Clearer accountability and measurable outcomes, ensuring employers track and demonstrate real improvements

The letter also stresses the importance of ensuring support is inclusive of women in non‑desk‑based roles, those from diverse ethnic backgrounds, women with disabilities or co‑existing health conditions, and the need for greater awareness among men to help reduce stigma.

The letter follows Benenden Health’s expert roundtable held in Westminster, where parliamentarians, clinicians and workplace experts examined the growing number of women considering leaving the workforce due to inadequate menopause support. The discussion took place ahead of the launch of the Government’s Menopause Action Plans, a key element of the Employment Rights Bill (2025).

At the roundtable, Benenden Health shared research based on insight from 2,000 women aged 40–65 and 500 HR decision‑makers. The findings show that:

• Over 80% of women experience menopause symptoms during the working day, affecting confidence, productivity and progression

• 28% have considered leaving work because of their symptoms

• 63% feel unable to discuss menopause at work, highlighting persistent stigma

• 47% have reduced hours or turned down promotions due to lack of support

• 69% of employers want clearer Government guidance, and over half are unsure what a Menopause Action Plan should include

These findings reflect wider estimates that menopause‑related impacts cost the UK economy £1.9 billion each year through sick days, lost productivity and women leaving the workforce.

The roundtable, chaired by Christine Jardine MP of the Women and Equalities Select Committee, brought together experts including Claire McCartney (CIPD), who emphasised that menopause support must extend to women in physically demanding or uniformed roles. Jenny Heskey (The Menopause Charity) also called for lived experience, trusted information and safe spaces to be central to policy.

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.

Christine Jardine MP said, "Too many women are being forced to step back from their careers not because of a lack of talent, but because they aren[t getting the support they need. This is an economic and workplace equality issue. Employers must be equipped to respond with understanding, flexibility and practical support."

Benenden Health's Chief People Officer, Mike Hay, and Nurse Consultant, Dr Cheryl Lythgoe, contributed to business advisory groups supporting the development of the Menopause Action Plans last year, ahead of the voluntary rollout in April 2026 and mandatory rollout in April 2027.

Dr Lythgoe added, "Employers are ready to act, but they need a national framework that is clear, consistent and ambitious. Strengthening the Government’s guidance now will ensure that Menopause Action Plans deliver real, measurable improvements for women in every workplace."

Benenden Health will continue to work with policymakers, employers and health experts to ensure that the final Menopause Action Plans are practical, evidence‑based and capable of delivering the cultural change women need and deserve.