A new campaign about the menopause to raise awareness and seek better workplace rights, along with supporting improved health and well-being for women in mid-life and beyond, has been welcomed by Martin Whitfield MSP.

Launched by retail workers union Usdaw, the campaign aims to help its workplace reps understand more about the menopause, how it affects women at work and what steps can be taken to make a difference to members in this situation.

Usdaw is clear that the menopause is an occupational health issue. For the majority of women the menopause will have an impact on their physical and mental well-being and the workplace can make these symptoms worse.

Welcoming the campaign, Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“Women make up more than half of Usdaw’s members and activists and over half of the UK workforce. These women will inevitably experience the menopause at some point in their lives, and usually when they are still in the workplace.

“This is an issue that I worked on with colleagues when I was East Lothian’s MP, in order to help increase knowledge, awareness and understanding of the menopause and they way it impacts on women’s lives. However, there remains much to be done to improve the experience of women going through the menopause, especially at work.

“Therefore, I welcome Usdaw’s campaign and its aim of helping people recognise and feel able to discuss their menopause symptoms in the workplace, as well as equip reps with the tools they need to open up conversations about the menopause at work.”

Further information and resources are available at www.usdaw.org.uk/menopause