Equality watchdog supports important Tribunal hearing on alleged menopause discrimination

Summary:

The Equality and Human Rights Commission will provide support for a significant Employment Tribunal hearing on October 2, 2023, tackling alleged menopause discrimination against Maria Rooney, a former social worker at Leicester City Council. Rooney claimed to have experienced menopause symptoms, anxiety, and depression, which led to extended sick leave and a formal warning from her employer. Despite disclosing her symptoms, she received unfavourable treatment, including inappropriate comments, and felt forced to resign in 2018. The hearing will decide if Rooney was discriminated against, harassed, and victimized by her employer on grounds of disability and sex. The case sets a legal precedent, as it is the first Employment Appeal Tribunal decision to recognize menopause symptoms as a disability under the Equality Act. The EHRC will provide guidance for employers to support employees experiencing menopause and encourage reasonable adjustments.