William Eichler 02 October 2023

Council accused of menopause ‘discrimination’

Council accused of menopause ‘discrimination’  image
Image: Vitalii Vodolazskyi / Shutterstock.com.

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.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Makaton Tutor - Part Time / Term Time

Essex County Council
£25821.00 - £30377.00 per annum + + Pension
Makaton Tutor - Part Time / Term TimePermanent, Part Time£30,377 per annum, full time equivalent / equal to £15.74 per hour.Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Assistant Urban Design Intern

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Assistant Urban Design InternFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Wellbeing and Independence Practitioner - Safeguarding Team

Essex County Council
£31931.00 - £36423.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Wellbeing and Independence Practitioner - ASC Centralised Safeguarding TeamFixed Term, Full Time£31,931 to £36,423 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Financial Strategy Manager (Revenue)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we invest in our borough's future.Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we inves England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Manager - Locality

Wakefield Council
£55,979.00, Grade 13
Wakefield Children’s Services have been rated by Ofsted as GOOD with outstanding leadership. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner