The largest teaching union in the UK is advocating for mandatory menopause training for all school leaders. They argue that women experiencing symptoms are unfairly penalized for taking sick leave and are disciplined on the grounds of competency.
Delegates at the National Education Union’s (NEU) annual conference were informed that older staff members are at the highest risk of facing “capability procedures,” while others are being pushed out of their jobs, impacting their income and pensions.
Menopause is a significant concern for the school workforce, as 75% of them are female. Karen Kemble, the joint NEU district and branch secretary in Hounslow, west London, highlighted the issue, stating that it is a form of ageism, misogyny, and discrimination.
She emphasized that the reality of menopause goes beyond the stereotypical image of a red-faced, sweaty woman experiencing hot flashes. The drop in estrogen levels can lead to various consequences, including temperature regulation, muscle and joint pain, memory issues, anxiety, depression, and more.
Kemble stressed that many women can still perform brilliantly with workplace adjustments but are often unaware that they can request them or are hesitant to do so due to fear of judgment.
The conference also voted for the leadership to advocate for a mandatory menopause policy in every school and college, as well as increased training for representatives on workers’ rights related to this issue.
Daniel Kebede, the NEU general secretary, called for dignity, privacy, and respect in the workplace for staff experiencing menopause, emphasizing the need for appropriate flexibility, support, and adjustments to accommodate their needs.
2024-04-06 09:39:05
Original from www.theguardian.com
