ROMSEY businesswomen have spoken of their joy as the town's MP has vowed to make it easier to talk about menopause at work.

Caroline Nokes, MP for Romsey and Southampton North, will be bringing the topic of menopause in the workplace to the House of Commons on Thursday, September 8.

Statistics show that menopausal women are the fastest growing workforce demographic - and Ms Nokes wants to see more done to support them.

People can suffer physical symptoms such as hot flushes, headaches, poor sleep and erratic periods, or psychological, such as anxiety, low mood, lack of confidence and poor concentration.

However, with support, these symptoms can be better understood and managed, leading to less people feeling like they have to leave their jobs because of it.

Ms Nokes will be leading the debate following the recent report from the Women and Equalities committee.

She wants to see changes brought in such as leave for people who are going through the menopause and better protection for people who find themselves discriminated against because of it.

Two menopause-related tribunals have already been found in favour of the employee - and can prove costly to employers.

Ms Nokes, who is chair of the Women and Equalities Select Committee, will be taking the spotlight in parliament at Westminster Hall from 1.30pm to highlight how employers can better support people with menopause.

Ms Nokes said: "The debate is an opportunity to expand on the report the select committee published in July around menopause and the workplace.

"The report made a number of specific recommendations including a consultation on making menopause a protected characteristic, as well as implementing section 14 of the equalities act so that you could use two protected characteristics in bringing a case to tribunal and trialling menopause workplace leave in a large public sector organisation like the NHS. Also advocating that every employer should have a workplace menopause champion.

"It is a great opportunity to get this issue in front of the new health minister, or employment minister, when they are very newly in post."

As well as pushing the issue in parliament, Ms Nokes is due to speak at a new menopause festival led by menopause coach Jo Ibbott.

Jo, 52, from Romsey, said: "I'm so pleased Caroline is leading this debate in parliament following the Menopause and the Workplace Inquiry.

"I speak to women every day whose symptoms are negatively impacting them at work. If we want to keep brilliant women in the workforce, retaining their talent and experience we need to create workplaces where menopause is taken seriously, understood and accounted for.

Hampshire Chronicle: Jo Ibbotson with her support group Jo Ibbotson with her support group

"Awareness is key as is legislative protection. It will only serve to create win-wins for those experiencing menopause and organisations alike."

Jo founded the Facebook group 'What the Fog?' two years ago as a place for women to share their experience with menopause and get factual advice and support. Now, the menopause coach hosts in person meetings titled 'Meet the Foggers' twice a month at Romsey eco-shop Lemon and Jinja.

The 'What the Fog?' menopause festival is set to take place at Winchester Baptist Church on November 12, 10am until 4pm. Caroline Nokes will join fellow guest speakers including a nutritionist and health coach, menopause specialist GPs and a mental health expert.