This case illustrates when an employee can qualify for protection from discrimination due to menopause symptoms

In this episode 216 of the podcast I bring you a summary of a case that was decided by the Employment Tribunal in regards to the issue of whether an employee was treated less favourably due to menopause symptoms and whether her employer was under an obligation to make a reasonable adjustments. The case is Mrs M Lynskey v Direct Line Insurance Services Ltd.

In this episode of the podcast we cover:

• When menopause symptoms could qualify someone for protection under the Equality Act.
• The types of other claims that employees could bring if treated to their detriment because of menopause.
• Why the Employment Tribunal considered that the employer’s attempts at adjustments were not sufficient.
• Why the Employment Tribunal awarded Mrs Lynskey aggravated damages in this case.
• Tips for employers in ensuring that they behave in an inclusive, fair and reasonable manner with employees who are experiencing menopause symptoms.
• Why we recommend that employers look at making reasonable adjustments, regardless of whether an employee has a confirmed disability.

Case Reference

You can read the full judgement here: https://www.gov.uk/employment-tribunal-decisions/mrs-m-lynskey-v-direct-line-insurance-services-ltd-1802204-slash-2022-and-1802386-slash-2022

Other resources regarding menopause

Podcast: Menopause support at work: An interview with Nicola Green

Menopause & Work Reform?

An employer has been ordered to pay compensation after making menopause comments

Menopause and work – what do employers need to do and why?

New Acas Guidance on Menopause and the Workplace

Training for your Team

Would you like to arrange training for your team to reduce the risk of both unhappy employees and claims being made against you? Please get in touch for a no obligation discussion, we can offer training anywhere in the UK in person or delivered remotely via MS Teams.

Please drop me an email alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk

Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts

As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk or you can find full details here: HR Harbour

Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006

We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents

In this episode 215 of the podcast I bring you an interview with Jan Brookes who is the CEO of a local Isle of Wight Charity, Isle Access. Jan is an expert in assisting businesses and organisations to be more accessible.

In this episode of the podcast we cover:

• The number one thing that all employers can do, with no expense, to assist their staff with long term health conditions.
• Ways in which employers can make reasonable adjustments.
• Why it is important to give meaningful consideration to adjustments.
• Some examples of how employers can make a change and be more inclusive.

About Jan Brookes CEO

Jan is the CEO of Isle Access.

Jan has had a notable career of over 40 years in nursing including holding a short service commission as a nursing officer in the RAF. She has considerable experience of caring for people with disabilities and poor mobility, and latterly worked in care home management. 

For a short period Jan also operated an ‘Accessible Travel’ franchise, on the Isle of Wight, inspecting and booking hotel accommodation away from the Island, for people with disabilities and poor mobility. In 2015, Jan succeeded in gaining an MSc (distinction) in International Hospitality Management. The topic for her dissertation was “Identifying the needs of people with dementia when using hotels’.

She is a member of the Access Association and has undertaken training in access auditing at the Centre for Accessible Environments. In 2016 Jan spoke at Bournemouth University’s Festival of Learning week and was voted Age Friendly Island Entrepreneur of the Year in 2018.

About Isle Access

Isle Access is an Isle of Wight based charity that is helping to improve life for disabled people on the Island.

Their vision is that residents and visitors alike can enjoy as much of the Isle of Wight as possible. Their mission is to make the Island more accessible and inclusive for people of all ages. Their aim is to support disabled people by removing barriers to access, enabling disabled people to enjoy a better quality of life and achieve new skills and experiences. They do this by:

Informing, assisting and promoting businesses, organisations, individuals and local government initiatives to welcome everyone to our beautiful Island.

Providing some accessible services, such as adapted cycling.

They work with people of all ages and all abilities, including: Disabled people, Veterans, People who experience loneliness, People who need more supportive exercise.

Training for your Team

Would you like to arrange training for your team to reduce the risk of both unhappy employees and claims being made against you? Please get in touch for a no obligation discussion, we can offer training anywhere in the UK in person or delivered remotely via MS Teams.

Please drop me an email alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk

Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts

As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk or you can find full details here: HR Harbour

Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006

We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents

We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE