Police force introduces private ‘crying rooms’ for female officers going through the menopause

A UK police force is set to provide private working areas and ‘crying rooms’ for female officers who are going through the menopause.

Nottinghamshire Police’s policy will also provide extra desk fans for menopausal staff, who will also be provided desks close to doors given better access to showers so that they can cope with hot flushes.

Former Chief Constable Sue Fish, who retired last year, wanted the policy introduced after she discovered women with menopausal symptoms were leaving the force.

She said: “It was just a waste of talent. Bringing in a policy was absolutely the right thing to do.”

A ‘Menopause Manager’s Guide’, written by Detective Constable Keeley Mansell. set out the plans to help women going through the change.

The guide states: “Women going through the menopause may need to manage the impact of symptoms, a private space to rest temporarily, cry or talk with a colleague before they can return to their workspace.”

It also recommends that women be able to control the temperature in the office, while officers may also be permitted to not wear body armour if it proves to be uncomfortable.

The guide adds: “Staff going through the menopause may request to be positioned near a door or window or maybe provided with a desk fan where possible.

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“Positioning within the office or in an area where they can get a breeze should be considered…

“Confidence can be a barrier and at a time when a female feels low self-esteem or not herself, the task of running in front of male colleagues can be daunting.”

Tory MP David Davies branded the policy “insulting to women officers”, adding: “I don’t think they need to be told they may need a private space to cry.”