Women and Equalities Select Committee Menopause Inquiry

The Women and Equalities Select Committee have launched an inquiry into the extent and impact of menopause discrimination in the workplace.

Published: 07 September 2021 | 7:52 PM Updated: 25 March 2022 | 4:38 PM

Photograph of a paperchain of people set out on a wooden table, with a bright yellow light shining on them. Photo credit: Shutterstock — A 2019 survey found that three in five menopausal women were negatively affected at work. Photo credit: Shutterstock

A 2019 survey conducted by BUPA and the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that three in five menopausal women – usually aged between 45 and 55 – were negatively affected at work, and that almost 900,000 women in the U.K. left their jobs over an undefined period of time because of menopausal symptoms.

We know that symptoms of menopause can be an issue for some of our members, as MU Executive Committee Member Millicent Stephenson explained in her blog which we published for World Menopause Day 2020.

More needs to be done to support menopausal women in the workplace and prevent menopause discrimination. You can share your views with the committee until Friday 17 September 2021 through the Parliament website.

See all news

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

Get public liability insurance for musicians
Access expert legal support
Be represented in your profession
Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Continue reading

A world map of the middle east with the Iranian flag pinned on Iran.

MU Statement on Conflict in Iran

Alongside the TUC, the MU condemns the dangerous escalation of military actions, precipitated by the US-Israeli attacks on Iran that flout international law and undermine prospects for peace.

Published: 18 March 2026

A placard at a march against the far right.

Together Alliance March: Join the MU in the Fight Against the Far Right

Join us on Saturday 28 March for what’s expected to be the UK’s largest anti‑racist march. Find out how to join the MU delegation and explore our new Anti‑Far Right Hub to learn how far‑right movements operate and how to challenge them.

Published: 17 March 2026

Two young female musicians sat outside, one playing acoustic guitar.

MU to Host Diversity Panel and Advice Sessions at Launchpad 2026

The Musicians’ Union will take part in Launchpad Conference 2026 on Friday 27 March at Leeds School of Arts, bringing industry insight, a panel on cultural diversity in music, and one-to-one advice sessions for musicians across the North of England.

Published: 10 March 2026

New Rules for Pernambuco Bows Come into Force

Following a decision at the CITES Conference of the Parties, new rules governing the international trade of pernambuco bows came into force on 5 March 2026. Guidance from the UK CITES authority explains what the changes mean for musicians.

Published: 06 March 2026

People walking on a busy street in Austin, Texas near the Austin Convention Center.

New Video Guidance on US Entry Requirements for SXSW 2026

A new video guide explains how international artists can enter the US for SXSW 2026 under ESTA, what documents to bring, and how to prepare for border checks.