Sainsbury’s defends menopause support for workers after Unite criticism

Sainsbury’s has defended its support on menopause for colleagues after it was accused by Unite of “failing menopausal workers”. 

Unite has hit out at the supermarket giant for “its continual failure to implement a menopause policy for staff while simultaneously promoting a new line of menopause products”.

Earlier this month, Sainsbury’s The Edit skincare range became the first grocer-owned label to feature menopause awareness company GenM’s menopause-friendly certification.

The ‘MTick’ is a universal shopping symbol and certification designed to signpost trusted menopause-friendly products, in a bid to make it easier for menopausal customers to search, source and shop for what they need. 

However, Unite claims Sainsbury’s workers have been “pushing for a firm menopause policy to be introduced for several years to no avail”. 

In response, a Sainsbury’s spokesperson told The Grocer: “Our colleagues are at the heart of everything we do at Sainsbury’s and we’re committed to being a truly inclusive retailer. We fully recognise the impact menopause can have on working life and offer a range of resources and health policies to support those experiencing symptoms.”

However, they added that due to the “complex” nature of menopause and how it is “different for everyone”, Sainsbury’s has chosen to “focus on education and flexible support through existing wellbeing processes and policies, rather than a single policy”.

”This includes an active menopause community network, accessible resources and events to mark World Menopause Day that raise awareness and encourage colleagues to seek support”, the spokesperson added. 

In October 2023, Sainsbury’s became the first big four grocer to partner with GenM, working to improve the menopause experience across its business, from marketing to HR, merchandising and product development.