Prime Highlights
- The government has launched new action plans to reduce the gender pay gap and improve menopause support in workplaces ahead of International Women’s Day 2026.
- The initiative aims to remove barriers at work and help women grow in their careers while creating fairer workplaces.
Key Facts
- Employers with 250 or more workers will be encouraged to publish the steps they are taking to reduce the gender pay gap and support employees experiencing menopause.
- The plans are part of the Employment Rights Act 2025, which also strengthens protections for workers, including pregnant employees and women returning from maternity leave.
Background:
The government has launched new action plans to reduce the gender pay gap and improve menopause support at work. The announcement comes ahead of International Women’s Day 2026 and shows the government’s aim to make workplaces fairer for women.
The plan encourages employers with 250 or more workers to publish the steps they are taking to reduce pay differences and support employees going through menopause. The guidance, released this week, calls on businesses to voluntarily adopt practical measures that promote equality and improve workplace conditions for women. Officials say stronger collaboration between government and businesses will help spread best practices across industries.
Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities, said the action plans aim to remove barriers that stop women from growing in their careers. She added that many women still face unequal pay and a lack of proper support at work, which affects their career progress. According to Bridget Phillipson, the government wants women to be treated fairly and supported at every stage of their careers.
Business leaders and advocacy groups have welcomed the move, describing it as an important step toward improving workplace equality. Mary Macleod, Chair of the Women’s Business Council, said the measures could strengthen women’s economic participation while also boosting productivity and innovation across industries. She added that creating fair workplaces is not only a matter of equality but also an important factor for economic growth.
Support for menopause in the workplace also forms a key part of the new plans. Mariella Frostrup, the government’s Menopause Employment Ambassador, said many women experience menopause at the height of their careers and often struggle with limited workplace understanding. She stressed that practical support from employers can help retain experienced employees and prevent women from leaving jobs they value.
The government will continue working with businesses and experts to support these steps and promote workplace equality and a stronger workforce.
