The workplace initiative, launched by Sadiq Khan to coincide with International Women’s Day, will help tackle what the London Mayor has branded one of the ‘last workplace taboos’. The new policy has been widely welcomed by women’s groups and experts.
Caption: London Mayor Sadiq Khan wants the policy to be replicated by other organisations ’s City Hall will be able to take ‘menopause leave’ as part of a new policy launched by Sadiq Khan to mark International Women’s Day.
The move may spark concerns in some companies eager to cut down on staff absence, with the Mayor hoping that the ‘world-leading’ initiative will be copied by other organisations in London and around the globe. Now City Hall hopes its policy can spark a workplace revolution to support those struggling with the menopause, which tends to arrive when women stop having periods in middle age – though symptoms and experiences vary dramatically.Ahead of the launch on Tuesday, Mr Khan exclusively told Metro.co.
‘But in the end, I felt I was being sidelined and work given to others instead of me, and I didn’t I didn’t feel as though I had any choice but to resign.’‘I want to encourage all other employers across London and the country to learn from our approach and follow suit.’ Staff will be able to request ‘suitable workplace adjustments’ – like flexibility in their working day – to allow for breaks if symptoms flare up, or time to attend medical appointments.They will also be able to ask for suitable changes to work tasks when they are experiencing symptoms, which can include hot flushes, anxiety and disrupted sleep. Private areas for resting and access to cold drinking water will be made available, too.