[UK] Landmark gender pay gap and menopause action plans to support women at work

In the UK, women are set to benefit from employers taking robust action on the gender pay gap and menopause support. Before International Women’s Day on March 4th, the Minister for Women and Equalities committed to ensuring that women can thrive at work.

Employers with 250 or more employees will reportedly be encouraged to publish the steps they're taking to reduce their gender pay gap and support employees through menopause from April.  

The UK government and businesses will work hand-in-hand to share best practice and motivate others to follow their lead voluntarily, according to GOV.UK.

Bridget Phillipson MP - the Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities - said, “This International Women’s Day, we are celebrating all that women bring to our proud nation, as well as committing to giving back to them.

“That’s why I am delighted to formally launch employer action plans, which are part of our commitment to ensure women can thrive at work and tackle the gender pay gap. 

“Too many women are still not paid fairly, held back at work due to inconsistencies in support or find common sense adjustments for their health needs overlooked or dismissed. We’re acting to empower women at work and work with business so we all benefit from unleashing women’s talents.”

Mary Macleod - Chair of the Women’s Business Council - said, “We have come a long way in the fight for women’s equality, but sadly, we continue to face challenges at different stages of our lives and careers.

“I am really pleased to be leading the Women’s Business Council as we work with the government on the introduction of action plans to break down barriers and support women’s economic empowerment.

“These measures have the power to not only increase the number of women in the workforce, but to increase productivity and innovation. Because equality isn’t just the right thing to do - it is also a vital driver for economic growth."

Mariella Frostrup - Government Menopause Employment Ambassador - said, “Menopause affects millions of women at the height of their careers, which is detrimental to the economy, businesses and the talented women.

“These action plans are a huge step in the right direction. When employers take practical, meaningful steps to support women through menopause, they are not just doing the right thing; they are protecting their own workforce.

“This International Women’s Day, I urge every large employer to put employer action plans in place. No woman should have to leave a job she loves because of a natural stage of life.”

The government says it is taking the impact of the menopause seriously by introducing action plans to break down barriers and encourage conversations about women’s health in the workplace. Action plans for employers are part of the Employment Rights Act 2025

Source: GOV.UK

(Quotes via original reporting)

In the UK, women are set to benefit from employers taking robust action on the gender pay gap and menopause support. Before International Women’s Day on March 4th, the Minister for Women and Equalities committed to ensuring that women can thrive at work.

Employers with 250 or more employees will reportedly be encouraged to publish the steps they're taking to reduce their gender pay gap and support employees through menopause from April.  

The UK government and businesses will work hand-in-hand to share best practice and motivate others to follow their lead voluntarily, according to GOV.UK.

Bridget Phillipson MP - the Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities - said, “This International Women’s Day, we are celebrating all that women bring to our proud nation, as well as committing to giving back to them.

“That’s why I am delighted to formally launch employer action plans, which are part of our commitment to ensure women can thrive at work and tackle the gender pay gap. 

“Too many women are still not paid fairly, held back at work due to inconsistencies in support or find common sense adjustments for their health needs overlooked or dismissed. We’re acting to empower women at work and work with business so we all benefit from unleashing women’s talents.”

Mary Macleod - Chair of the Women’s Business Council - said, “We have come a long way in the fight for women’s equality, but sadly, we continue to face challenges at different stages of our lives and careers.

“I am really pleased to be leading the Women’s Business Council as we work with the government on the introduction of action plans to break down barriers and support women’s economic empowerment.

“These measures have the power to not only increase the number of women in the workforce, but to increase productivity and innovation. Because equality isn’t just the right thing to do - it is also a vital driver for economic growth."

Mariella Frostrup - Government Menopause Employment Ambassador - said, “Menopause affects millions of women at the height of their careers, which is detrimental to the economy, businesses and the talented women.

“These action plans are a huge step in the right direction. When employers take practical, meaningful steps to support women through menopause, they are not just doing the right thing; they are protecting their own workforce.

“This International Women’s Day, I urge every large employer to put employer action plans in place. No woman should have to leave a job she loves because of a natural stage of life.”

The government says it is taking the impact of the menopause seriously by introducing action plans to break down barriers and encourage conversations about women’s health in the workplace. Action plans for employers are part of the Employment Rights Act 2025

Source: GOV.UK

(Quotes via original reporting)