Petition · past parliament · Cabinet Office

Amend the Equalities Act 2010 to include menopause as a protected characteristic

Closed 3,334 signatures

What the petition asks

To help keep more women in the workplace for longer and to improve their rights I want the Government to add menopause to the Equalities Act 2010 as a protected characteristic, and require employers to make reasonable adjustments for menopausal women.
With the population of women being 51%, instead of women leaving their profession or organisation due to ignorance, out of date policies and unequal law, skilled and experienced women should be protected.

It is right for employers to make reasonable adjustments for the menopause in addition to their pregnancy and maternity needs. Research by BUPA shows that a significant number of women leave their employment early due to their symptoms and experiences of the menopause.

Timeline

5 Aug 2022 Petition opened for signatures
19 Feb 2023 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 3,334
Status Closed
Department Cabinet Office
Opened 5 Aug 2022
Closed 19 Feb 2023

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.