The Wales TUC Menopause and Work Study
Women aged 16-64 comprise approximately half (48%) of the Welsh workforce (ONS Employment stats March 2016). When looking specifically at over 50s in the Welsh workforce, 44% are Women (ONS stats March 2016). They represent over 213,000 workers (ONS Employment stats). Consequently, many women in today’s Welsh workplaces are, or will be working through a little discussed stage of life, the menopause.
Menopause is part of the natural ageing process for women, which refers to the point in time when menstruation has ceased for 12 consecutive months. This occurs naturally, usually between the ages of 45-55. In UK, the average age is 52. Symptoms associated with the menopause can include hot flushes, palpitations, night sweats, sleep disturbances, fatigue, poor concentration, irritability, mood disturbances, skin irritation and dryness. The period of hormonal change and associated symptoms (peri-menopause) can last from four to eight years with women suffering varying degrees of symptoms during that time.
The Wales TUC is interested in investigating how Welsh employers are responding to this issue and what the experiences of women in the workplace are. We would like you to complete this survey as honestly as you can. Your personal data will always be kept 100% confidential, but we may use the broad trends gathered from this data to influence and create guidance for workplaces, in order to enhance the experience of hundreds of thousands of women at work during this time in their lives. This survey is open to men and women, union member and non-union member.