An employment tribunal will today begin the first case in Britain where a worker will argue that menopause symptoms amount to a disability under the Equality Act.
Children's social worker Maria Rooney took periods of extended sickness leave from her job at Leicester City Council due to menopause symptoms, and anxiety and depression.
Ms Rooney will tell the tribunal she received unfavourable treatment related to her absences including inappropriate comments about her menopause symptoms.
In October 2018, Ms Rooney felt she had to resign. The following January she lodged claims with the Employment Tribunal against Leicester City Council.
Leicester Employment Tribunal will now hear the claims that Ms Rooney was ‘discriminated against, harassed and victimised’ by the council on the grounds of disability and sex.
Commenting on the tribunal, Baroness Kishwer Falkner, chairwoman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission said: ‘Menopause symptoms can significantly affect someone’s ability to work. Employers have a responsibility to support employees going through the menopause – it is to their benefit to do so, and the benefit of the wider workforce. Every employer should take note of this hearing.’
Leicester City Council has been contacted for comment.
If this article was of interest, then check out our feature, 'How local government can shatter the menopause taboo.'
