Row explodes over male 'menopause' after men claim they're being 'bullied'
A row has erupted after a union suggested that employers have a 'duty of care' to protect men going through the menopause
Catherine Falls Commercial
A row has erupted after a union suggested that employers have a "duty of care" to protect men going through the menopause.
The advice warns workplaces they could face legal action if they do not protect men from bullying or harassment.
It insists men should not be embarrassed to admit they have symptoms such as poor sleep and hot flushes - describing it as "a normal biological change that every man experiences".
The Community Union, which represents a number of sectors including steel and justice, say those suffering from severe andropause - "male menopause" - could be categorised as disabled.
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Men who are struggling are also urged to ask for help from seniors with requests such as special uniforms.
The guidance has received backlash with some labelling the new advice as "an absolute joke".
"I would rather go to a tribunal than give in to this 'manopause' nonsense," Charlie Mullins, the founder of Pimlico Plumbers told the Daily Mail.
The Community Union states in advice to members: "You should not feel ashamed to talk about a normal biological change that every man experiences.
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"If you are experiencing bullying or harassment because you are going through the andropause, your employer has a duty of care to prevent this."
It comes after it was reported that dozens of councils, universities, police forces, fire services and NHS trusts have guidelines on the issue.
The guidelines come despite the NHS England's website describing the term as "misleading" because it implies men suffer a sudden drop in testosterone in middle age.
Other unions, such as Unison and GMB, do not cover male menopause but state "the menopause affects a wide range of people".
The guidelines come despite the NHS England's website describing the term as 'misleading' because it implies men suffer a sudden drop in testosterone in middle age
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In its policy, GMB says: "people from the non-binary, transgender and intersex communities may also experience menopausal symptoms".
While, Unison's guidance notes that trans women "may experience pseudo-menopausal symptoms if their hormone therapy treatment is interrupted".