The UK's largest teaching union is advocating for mandatory menopause training for all school leaders, citing instances where women experiencing symptoms are unfairly penalised for sickness absence and face disciplinary actions on competency grounds. Delegates at the National Education Union's (NEU) annual conference in Bournemouth highlighted that older staff members are particularly vulnerable to "capability procedures," while others are pressured to leave their positions, impacting not only their income but also their pensions.
Speaking to Asian Voice, Professor Geeta Nargund, Senior NHS Consultant and Co-founder of the Ginsburg Women’s Health Board said, “Menopause is a natural part of the ageing process for every woman, however, it impacts each individual differently and can have significant negative consequences on some people’s working experience. Despite the fact that half the working population will be affected by menopause symptoms at some point in their working career, workplaces still do not have the right support structure in place; it is unacceptable that due to social taboo and a lack of awareness and understanding, women are being forced out of their jobs. This is an economic problem, as well as one of equality, particularly in a sector such as education which has a large proportion of women in the workforce. I have long been an advocate for workplace training on all elements of women’s reproductive health, alongside policy to protect women’s rights: after all, awareness and understanding are vital for closing the gender health gap that exists in the workplace.”
With 75% of the school workforce being female, menopause emerges as a critical issue affecting a significant portion of educators. Karen Kemble, the joint NEU district and branch secretary in Hounslow, west London, addressed the conference, labelling the situation as "ageism, misogyny, and discrimination." She emphasised the wide-ranging effects of menopause beyond the stereotypical portrayal of hot flashes, including physical symptoms like muscle and joint pain, as well as psychological challenges such as anxiety, depression, and memory issues.
Kemble underscored the difficulties faced by women in demanding professions like teaching, where the demanding nature of the job exacerbates the impact of menopausal symptoms. She argued that women's capabilities and dedication do not diminish during this stage of life but that many struggle due to a lack of awareness about workplace accommodations or fear of judgment when requesting them.
The NEU conference delegates echoed Kemble's concerns, passing resolutions urging for the implementation of mandatory menopause policies in every school and college, along with increased training for representatives on workers' rights regarding this issue. Daniel Kebede, the NEU general secretary, emphasised the need for dignity, privacy, and respect in the workplace for staff experiencing menopause, stressing that mistreatment and lack of understanding are driving experienced educators out of their careers.
Kebede emphasised the importance of providing menopausal staff with appropriate flexibility, support, and adjustments tailored to their needs to mitigate disadvantages and enable them to work effectively. He called for employers to conduct assessments of the work environment to ensure that physical factors are not exacerbating symptoms and reiterated that members should not face penalties for sickness absence when their working arrangements have not been adequately adjusted.
In conclusion, the NEU's push for mandatory menopause training and policies reflects a growing recognition of the need to support women experiencing menopausal symptoms in the workplace. By advocating for awareness, understanding, and practical accommodations, the union aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for educators navigating this significant stage of life.
