Jaguar Land Rover has introduced a menopause workplace support policy for its female employees as part of its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The policy, which is a day one right and can be accessed at any time, includes workplace adjustments, such as flexible working, access to fans, additional breaks and sick leave for menopause symptoms.
The employer has also invested £3 million into a new workwear range, developed in consultation with employees. As well as including temperature regulating clothing for those experiencing the menopause, it features maternity wear and hijabs, among many other options.
Jaguar Land Rover worked with trade union Unite on the policy, with convenor Jackie Llewellyn-Robinson working with the employer after the union’s research found that more than 80% of women experiencing the menopause do not have access to basic support at work.
A Jaguar Land Rover spokesperson said: “Jaguar Land Rover is delighted to be able to provide the menopause support policy which has been developed in partnership with a number of stakeholders including our gender equality network, trade union and employees from across the business. The policy is one of several rolled out as part of our commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive workplace for all of our employees.”
Llewellyn-Robinson added: “I am pleased Jaguar Land Rover has agreed to institute this menopause support policy. Unite will continue to push for improvements to the policy as well as helping women reps across the union to win similar menopause support provisions from their employers.”
Last year, Jaguar Land Rover introduced a pregnancy loss policy to support employees who experience a miscarriage, ectopic or molar pregnancy, or stillbirth. Its range of family-friendly policies also include an adoption leave procedure and a shared parental leave policy, and it has 13 global employee-led diversity networks.