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 accident cover, health schemes, travel insurance and car insurance add-ons through the Musicians’ Union.

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

Neil Patterson giving his speech to conference.

MU Motion on Benefit Application Process Passes at STUC Disabled Workers Conference

At the STUC Disabled Workers Conference, the MU called on the STUC to lobby the Government on streamlining the benefits application process and other modifications to make benefits more accessible to disabled workers.

Published: 05 December 2023

Close up of cello player in black and white.

MU Sponsors The Night With Festival

The Night With Festival takes place 14 -15 December in Glasgow. It offers an interesting programme of classical evening performances, as well as a daytime industry schedule. MU and Regional Officer Louise Stanners Pow will also be in attendance, offering 1-2-1 drop in sessions.

Published: 01 December 2023

Dr Diljeet Bhachu and award winner Elizabeth J Birch smiling after coming off stage together.

Youth Music Awards 2023: Take Note That the Future is Here

Last month the MU sponsored Youth Music’s Inspirational Music Leader Award, which was presented by Dr Diljeet Bhachu, the MU’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer. In this blog, she reflects on the judging process and shares her thoughts on addressing inequality in the wider industry.

Published: 01 December 2023

Some of the musicians and supporters from the demo at Newcastle Theatre Royal on 10 November, holding MU banners and signs saying “Keep Northern Ballet Live”.

Keep Northern Ballet Live Petition Surges Past 10,000 Signatures

Over 10,000 people have signed the petition urging Arts Council England to keep Northern Ballet music live.

Published: 27 November 2023

Male musician sat in front of a keyboard and microphone deep in thought and concentration.

Musicians Census Finds That Three in Ten Musicians Report Having Poor Mental Wellbeing

Further report findings from the first ever UK Musicians’ Census show that almost a third of professional musicians in the UK are experiencing poor mental wellbeing, due to factors such as low pay, career barriers and witnessing or experiencing discrimination.

Published: 24 November 2023

All news and features

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Use your voice

Popular searches