Menopause policy in place

Council staff get help and support

South Lanarkshire Council launched its Menopause Policy on World Menopause Day (October 18).

Measures introduced for the local authority’s employees include help with symptoms, such as being able to request a fan to manage hot flushes, and taking time out from others to cope with low moods.

Women experiencing menopausal symptoms will also have easy access to toilet facilities, fresh drinking water and be able to attend a quiet area “if they need to manage a severe flush”.

Employees who are suffering from a lack of sleep due to the menopause will also be considered for flexible working, while those suffering from anxiety or panic attacks will be able to attend an employee counselling service and undertake mindfulness activities, such as breathing exercises or going for a walk.

Depute Provost of South Lanarkshire, Councillor Collette Stevenson, welcomed the launch.

She said: “This is a health issue that will affect all women, usually between the ages of 45 and 55 but, in one per cent of cases, before 40 years of age.

“It is important for any organisation of any size to recognise the support that is needed, but considering there are more than 11,000 women working for South Lanarkshire Council, then we have considerable responsibility to treat them with understanding and provide them with support when this natural part of aging affects them. It is important not only to implement the actions of this policy, but also to make sure that women know that the council has a positive attitude towards the menopause and that it is not something they should feel embarrassed about discussing.

“I am therefore delighted that this menopause policy both ensures and demonstrates that South Lanarkshire Council understands the difficulties and anxieties that are faced by women at this stage of their lives, and that these issues are managed effectively and sensitively by raising awareness and providing all appropriate training and development.”

The policy was developed in partnership with the Joint Trade Union Executive.