UK based broadcaster and journalist, Mariella Frostrup, has been named as the Government’s Women’s Employment Ambassador, a newly created role designed to strengthen support for women across the workforce and address persistent barriers to participation and progression.
The introduction of this role comes amid growing concern about the financial and structural implications of inadequate workplace support for women’s health, especially in relation to menopause.
Businesses are now being encouraged to publish action plans aimed at reducing the estimated £1.7 billion lost annually through sick days, reduced productivity, and women exiting the workforce due to menopause-related symptoms.
The ambassador role builds directly on Frostrup’s previous position as Menopause Employment Ambassador, where she led engagement with employers and oversaw initiatives such as the establishment of the Menopause Advisory Group. Her expanded remit reflects a broader government strategy to integrate women’s health considerations across the full span of working life, rather than focusing solely on menopause.
According to the Minister for Employment, Dame Diana Johnson, too many women still face barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential in the workplace.
“This new ambassador role sends a clear signal that we are serious about changing that, and Mariella Frostrup is the ideal person to take this on. By championing the brilliant contributions women make as entrepreneurs, workers, and leaders we can unlock economic growth that benefits everyone.”
Dame Diana Johnson
The appointment of Mariella Frostrup will enable her work closely with employers nationwide to elevate awareness of key health issues affecting women and to advocate for policies that recognise and support their economic contributions. A central component of the role will involve convening experts from multiple sectors to gather evidence, assess systemic barriers, and identify opportunities to improve workplace conditions for women.
This cross-sector approach is intended to ensure that policy recommendations are both informed and actionable, aligning with broader labour market objectives.
Expanding Workplace Health Support Beyond Menopause
This initiative’s scope recognizes that a number of health issues that plague women, such as fibroids and endometriosis, develop well before menopause and can seriously impair career paths if left untreated.
Without adequate workplace support, such conditions contribute to long-term workforce attrition, reinforcing gender disparities in employment outcomes. This is particularly significant in light of recent data showing that the number of women classified as economically inactive due to long-term sickness has reached a near-record high of 1.48 million, emphasizing the urgency of targeted interventions.
The UK government is pushing large firms, particularly those with 250 or more employees, to voluntarily create and disclose menopausal action plans, in addition to appointing an ambassador.
These plans are expected to include at least one concrete measure, such as establishing support networks, implementing tailored workplace adjustments, or revising uniform policies to better accommodate employees experiencing symptoms.
Women’s Employment Ambassador, Mariella Frostrup stated that, “menopause support in the workplace has come a long way, and that progress is something to be proud of, but it cannot be where our ambition stops.”
“Women’s health affects their working lives long before menopause, and for too long many have been navigating these challenges without the right support around them.
“Every woman deserves to know, at every stage of her career, that her health will not be a barrier to her success. I am delighted to take on this role and look forward to working with employers across the country support their imperative female workforce and retain them.”
Mariella Frostrup
This initiative also forms part of the wider Employment Rights Act, which aims to enhance job security and employment conditions for more than 18 million workers.
These changes are especially important for women who are juggling work and childcare obligations with health issues. The incorporation of women’s health into employment policy is a reflection of the rising understanding that support networks and workplace inclusion are intimately related to economic engagement.
Tracy Black, Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Chief Commercial Officer, also added that, businesses are committed to taking action to help women both stay and succeed in the workplace.
“Awareness of the impact of menopausal symptoms at work is rising, leading to businesses taking a more pro-active approach to providing support. This is part of a wider trend of firms sharpening their focus on health and wellbeing.”
Tracy Black
Together with the government’s relaunch of the Women’s Health Strategy, the Women’s Health Ambassador is working to advance the health outcomes that are most important to women and girls nationwide more quickly and decisively.
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