The change agreed between Usdaw and Tesco means that from 18 October, menopause related absences will stop being included in absence calculations. Following their return to work, the discussion between an employee and their manager will then focus on how the company can best support the individual.
 
Daniel Adams – Usdaw National Officer says: “Usdaw has long campaigned for the menopause to be treated as an occupational health issue and called upon employers to better support women working through the menopause. We welcome that Tesco has recognised that women experiencing the menopause need additional support and flexibility and that absence should be managed supportively, not punitively.
 
“Following on from our joint launch of a guide for staff going through the menopause, this change to the sickness absence policy will give our members confidence to take the time they need to deal with the symptoms they are experiencing.
 
“Working in customer facing roles, working nights, fluctuating shift patterns and a lack of awareness can aggravate menopause symptoms and make it more difficult for staff to raise the issue and ask for workplace adjustments. The menopause is a workplace issue and Usdaw will continue to work with employers on how we can support members through often simple adjustments to the working environment or working practices.”
 
Notes for editors:
 
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union with around 360,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemical industry and other trades.
 
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion