Branch Women’s Officer Calls For Member’s Experiences Of Menopause In The Workplace
UNISON Brighton & Hove is concerned about the lack of support in our workplaces for those experiencing menopause.
Employers have published menopause training and guidance online, but our branch feels menopause training should be mandatory for managers.
We need testimony from members around their experiences:
How have requests for reasonable adjustments for menopause been received?
Do colleagues feel comfortable raising the issue of menopause in the workplace?
What changes in their workplace culture around menopause would UNISON members like to see?
Please send your feedback to: abi.callaghan@brighton-hove.gov.uk.
Branch Women’s Officer, Abi Callaghan, Speaks
“I’m delighted to introduce myself as the newly elected Branch Women’s Officer! I’ve been a member of UNISON since I joined the Council in 2016 and have always been looking for ways to get involved.
The Branch Women’s Officer role came at the perfect time, where I was feeling stagnant in my current position at the Council and looking for new opportunities. Since being in post, I have met so many new people and begun to work on issues I am passionate about, which has been so fulfilling.
If you’re looking for a change, I would absolutely recommend getting involved with UNISON.
I would like to state clearly that in my role as Women’s Officer I am here to support all women, which includes trans women. Similarly, I recognise that issues historically deemed as women’s issues, (e.g. pregnancy, menopause, etc.) may very well affect members who are nonbinary, intersex, or trans men. As such, I welcome contact from any member who would like my support. I stand with UNISON in my commitment to support the trans, gender-diverse, and nonbinary communities.
My particular interests in my role of Branch Women’s Officer include bolstering the Council’s understanding and awareness of menopause; sickness policy and how it pertains to chronic/autoimmune conditions; and maternity policy. If you would like to raise anything relating to these issues, or have suggestions for other areas of interest, please do not hesitate to get in touch.”