Top 10 stories from this week: UK is haemorrhaging talent by failing menopausal workers
The Women and Equalities Committee has confirmed what many employers have known for a while. Those experiencing the menopause need workplace support during this transition, not only for the individual’s wellbeing but also to help retain highly experienced and valuable talent.
The Menopause and the Workplace report calls for menopause to become a protected characteristic under the Equality Act, and for the introduction of a Menopause Ambassador. The aim of this role would be to produce model policies, examples of good practice and guidance for employers, as well as to work with stakeholders such as unions and advisory groups.
Although the Committee stops short of recommending that a legal requirement be put on employers to include a menopause strategy. It firmly states: “Menopause is a workplace issue. There is a legal, economic and social imperative to address the needs of menopausal employees.”
At REBA, over the past five years we have seen how the conversation on menopause has shifted in the workplace. This report reinforces the importance of this issue and we hope that the government takes action on the recommendations to ensure that employees experiencing the menopause are protected and are able to access the flexibility and support they need.
For more reward and employee benefits news you might have missed this week, read our top 10 snippets below.
Menopause should be protected characteristic, say MPs
People Management Menopause should become a protected characteristic under the Equality Act and a special ambassador should be in place to keep women in the workplace, a report from a cross-party group of MPs has said. Read more
Uber ruling prompts new government guidance on workers' rights
HR Magazine Following the 2021 Supreme Court ruling that found Uber drivers are classed as workers under UK law, the government has launched new guidance on employment status. Read more
Older workers returning to labour market amid cost of living crisis, analysis suggests
People Management The number of over-50s either in work or looking for work has reached pre-pandemic levels, new research has revealed, with more than one in 10 retirees saying they would consider going back to work because of the increased cost of living. Read more
Billions in unused apprenticeship levy funds returned to the Treasury
HR Magazine New research has uncovered that £3.3 billion pounds of apprenticeship levy funding has been returned to the Treasury since 2019.
The London Progression Collaboration (LPC), created by think tank IPPR, found employers in England have been returning unspent levy funds put aside for apprenticeships, leading businesses to lose out on the equivalent of £1.1 billion per year or £95 million per month, since 2019. Read more
66% think flexibility will better support staff wellbeing
Employee Benefits Two-thirds (66%) of UK office employees said more flexibility around how they work would better support their physical and mental wellbeing, according to research by health insurer Vitality in partnership with CBI Economics. Read more
Cost of living could put annuities back on the radar
Professional Pensions An annuity could be a key option for those concerned about the impact of the cost of living crisis, according to Wealth At Work.
The rise of income drawdown appealing those wanting more flexible access to their retirement income has resulted in annuities losing popularity in recent years, however there has been a recent uplift in the rates available. Read more
UK employees increasingly seek temp work for extra income
Personnel Today Half of UK workers are already doing temporary work, or are planning to temp, as a direct result of the surging cost of living, according to new research. Read more
Employers urged to help close the disability employment gap: GRiD
Cover Magazine Employers need to play their part in closing the disability employment gap as the Government moves closer to mandating support for individuals, according to the industry body for group risk, GRiD. Read more
Surprising link between productivity and your culture explained
HR Grapevine Nine in 10 workers think there is a strong link between their firm’s culture and their wellbeing and productivity, new research has found. Read more
Government launches DB pension long-term funding consultation
Personnel Today Ministers have launched a consultation on measures to improve the long-term funding of defined benefit (DB) pension schemes and protections for members. Read more
