SAINSBURY’S was accused of “blatant hypocrisy” by the Unite union today after it began promoting new menopause products while failing to implement a menopause policy that workers have sought for several years.

Last month, the supermarket chain became the first British grocery firm to launch an own-brand skincare range carrying the MTick symbol.

The GenM organisation created the symbol to signpost products that can help relieve at least one of the 48 symptoms of the menopause and Sainbury’s gave a public commitment to GenM in October 2023 that it would create a menopause policy for its female staff.

Union members say the firm still only offers a set of guidelines that are open to interpretation by managers, forcing female employees going through the menopause to take unpaid time off for medical appointments or report for shifts while suffering symptoms that impair their ability to work as they fear disciplinary action if they are off sick too much.

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said, “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.

“Because menopause is complex and different for everyone, we’ve 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.”