Law Firm to Support Staff with HRT Medication

Posted on March 30, 2022

The menopause is nothing new, women around the world have struggled for years, but recently thanks to media awareness and potential Government policy it has taken centre stage, now at Pearson we are backing our female staff by offering to pay for any Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) costs in order to support staff through this time in their lives.

HRT Medication and Menopause Policy

From April 2022 Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers will pay for any HRT prescription medication needed by staff and have developed a menopause policy to share across the law firm from Spring.

“Around 78% of our staff are female and we want to give our employees the confidence to come forward if any issues surrounding the menopause are affecting them and be assured that they will be dealt with in a sympathetic, understanding and above all professional manner,” said Director and Practice Manager at Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers, Joanne Ormston.

As well as paying all HRT prescription costs for staff we are investing in training teams on understanding the menopause and how it might affect their colleagues. We are also having a point of contact for staff and someone to talk to in the first instance, as well as developing a menopause friendly working environment.

“Whilst the symptoms may vary we realise it can be a tough time and want to take practical steps to help our staff. This involves not only paying for any HRT, but also making any adjustments to make our workplace a kinder place to be,

We want a culture where all our staff can talk openly about issues affecting them and can seek support when such issues affect their working lives. With this in mind, we have developed a Menopause Policy setting out further information about the possible effects of menopause, where to seek support and advice on external sources of guidance.” added Joanne.

HRT Costs

It is a topic that has hit the headlines recently with Labour MP for Swansea East Carolyn Harris seeking a private members bill to abolish charges for hormone replacement therapy. HRT Medication is currently free in Wales and Scotland, but in England it costs £9.34 for each prescription item.

Conservative MP for Romsey and Southampton Caroline Nokes, chair of the women and equalities select committee has praised the stance taken by Pearson Solicitors: “There are many good employers who are doing their utmost to support employees going through the menopause. It is so important we keep talking about it and beat down the stigma and taboo around the menopause.”

It is reckoned that 1.6m sick days are lost every year, with an estimated 900,000 women leaving work, many at the peak of their careers, entirely due to the impact of the menopause.

“Alongside our flexible working and family-friendly policies it makes absolute sense to support our staff through this period in their lives, they bring a wealth of experience to our business and we value their input so anything we can do to help makes sense,” added Joanne.

For advice on a Menopause Policy for your business contact Pearson Solicitors on 0161 785 3500 or email enquiries@pearsonlegal.co.uk

Please note that the information and opinions contained in this article are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to provide legal advice. No responsibility for its accuracy or correctness is assumed by Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers Ltd or any of its members or employees. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking, or refraining from taking, any action as a result of this article.

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