Reps persuade United Utilities to adopt menopause policy

At the end of 2018, the Joint Trade Union Forum at UU decided that the company should have a policy on the menopause.

Instead of waiting for the company to write one, the reps decided to draft their own and submit it to UU via the policy forum.

Louise Adams (pictured), a scientist and Prospect’s lead health and safety rep at UU, was given the task of writing the policy and submitted it to HR at the start of 2019.

But the company decided to release it as a guidance note only. The Reps were unhappy about this and used every opportunity to put pressure on the company to make it policy.

Louise said: “We had great feedback from members of all unions who were keen to see the note released as policy.

“I am really pleased to say that HR has agreed and it is now a proper policy at UU and not just a guidance note.”

Prospect organiser Jessica Norris said: “We had a stall at UU recently and lots of people were interested in our members’ guide to the menopause at work.

“It was great to be able to talk to members about what our reps have put in place in their organisation and shows there is a need for this resource.”

Prospect has produced guidance which aims to:

• raise awareness
• explain employers’ responsibilities and
• give reps guidance on good practice and levers that can be used to address the issues in their workplaces.