Business · India Bureau
UK tribunal awards woman £32,237 for menopause discrimination dismissal
An employment tribunal has ruled that a beauty therapist was unlawfully dismissed after requesting flexible working arrangements to manage severe menopause symptoms. The 48-year-old has been awarded compensation, though payment remains uncertain as the employer faces liquidation.
LSN India ·
An employment tribunal in the United Kingdom has found that a 48-year-old beauty therapist was subjected to disability discrimination when dismissed for seeking workplace accommodations related to menopause symptoms.
Chantelle Van Vliet had requested flexible working hours to manage severe symptoms including fatigue, confusion and brain fog. The tribunal determined that her employer failed to provide reasonable workplace support and unlawfully terminated her employment in response to these requests.
The tribunal awarded Van Vliet £32,237 in compensation for the discriminatory treatment and denial of reasonable accommodations. However, the financial recovery remains uncertain as the company is currently undergoing voluntary liquidation proceedings.
The case highlights evolving employment law protections around menopause in the workplace, with tribunals increasingly recognizing menopause-related conditions as disabilities requiring workplace support under anti-discrimination legislation. Van Vliet's case underscores the importance of employers providing reasonable accommodations for employees experiencing significant health challenges during midlife transitions.