Broadcaster and campaigner Mariella Frostrup has been named as the Government’s first Women’s Employment Ambassador. The newly created role is part of a national effort to keep women in the workforce and address health barriers. Frostrup previously served as the Menopause Employment Ambassador but will now see her remit expanded to cover a wider range of women’s health issues. This change acknowledges that conditions such as endometriosis and fibroids can impact careers long before the menopause begins.
The appointment comes as the Department for Work and Pensions encourages large businesses with 250 or more staff to publish voluntary action plans. These plans are designed to help employees managing menopause symptoms and prevent the £1.7 billion lost annually to sick days and lost productivity. Companies are being asked to commit to at least one practical change. This could include creating support groups or adjusting uniforms to help staff remain comfortable and productive.
Official figures show that 1.48 million women are currently economically inactive due to long-term sickness. By working with employers to gather evidence and identify barriers, the ambassador will provide recommendations to reverse this trend. The initiative is linked to the wider Employment Rights Act which aims to improve job security for 18 million workers.
Minister for Employment, Dame Diana Johnson: “Too many women still face barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential in the workplace. This new ambassador role sends a clear signal that we are serious about changing that, and Mariella Frostrup is the ideal person to take this on. By championing the brilliant contributions women make — as entrepreneurs, workers, and leaders — we can unlock economic growth that benefits everyone.”
Mariella Frostrup said: “Menopause support in the workplace has come a long way, and that progress is something to be proud of, but it cannot be where our ambition stops. Women’s health affects their working lives long before menopause, and for too long many have been navigating these challenges without the right support around them. Every woman deserves to know, at every stage of her career, that her health will not be a barrier to her success. I am delighted to take on this role and look forward to working with employers across the country support their imperative female workforce and retain them.”
Tracy Black, CBI Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Businesses are committed to taking action to help women both stay and succeed in the workplace. Awareness of the impact of menopausal symptoms at work is rising, leading to businesses taking a more pro-active approach to providing support. This is part of a wider trend of firms sharpening their focus on health and wellbeing.”
