uniteLANDWORKER Comment
Paul Travers Unite national officer
Food, drink and agricultural sector
SAINSBURY’S SLAMMED
In October, Sainsburyʼs was slammed by Unite for its continual failure to implement a menopause policy for staff while simultaneously promoting a new line of menopause products, writes Amanda Campbell.
Last autumn, the supermarket became the first UK grocer to launch an own-brand skincare range carrying the MTick symbol – created by the organisation GenM.
But in an ironic twist Sainsburyʼs own workers, who’ve been pushing for a menopause policy to be introduced for several years to no avail, report that at present the firm only offers a set of guidelines for staff, which are open to interpretation by managers.
Sainsburyʼs women workers going through the menopause have to take unpaid time off for medical appointments or come into work while suffering impairing symptoms as they fear triggering a disciplinary for absence if they are off sick too much.
One woman was even dismissed after menopause-related brain fog and forgetfulness affected her work, later winning compensation from Sainsburyʼs.
This happened despite Sainsbury’s making a commitment in October 2023 to GenM to create a menopause policy for its workers.
“Sainsbury’s cares about the detrimental effects the menopause has – but only for paying customers rather than its staff, who are left suffering in silence with debilitating symptoms at work and not being taken seriously,” said Unite general secretary Sharon Graham.
Unite’s fight for menopause justice at Sainsbury’s goes on. Nationally Unite is demanding that employers such as Sainsburyʼs understand their responsibilities to staff and take action to create menopause- friendly workplaces.
FIND OUT MORE
Unite has a standalone model policy for reps to use
https://bit.ly/43jd7Tr
5 uniteLANDWORKER Spring 2026 FIGHTING FOR YOU IN FDA
Following on from our esteemed friend and now former colleague Bev Clarkson feels like a tough call! Bev retired in June 2025 and over the eight years she served as national officer to this sector she certainly left her mark for good. Bev achieved much in a relatively short time and the record of what she brought to the sector will live on in the hearts and minds of the many members she helped.
Unite in FDA (food, drink and agriculture) as ever, campaigning for you, has been focusing on the situation our agricultural members in Wales are now facing. Many members in Wales are only paid the minimum wage and living a frugal lifestyle.
And now we are also faced with the NFU wanting to break away from any form of pay structure ensuring at least decent pay for our members.
None of our members are on substantial salaries – how bad do things have to get before farmers and governments say, this is wrong, we must listen to the unions?
Unite Ireland has put together Workers in the eye of the storm – a report aimed at safeguarding workers during extreme weather events. This is a fantastic report and a sobering read for our many members who earn a living working outdoors and are on the front line when it comes to facing the challenges of a changing climate.
I would urge the government to listen to Unite and put in place legislation to protect workers facing extreme weather and temperature rises. And sooner rather than later.
Finally, Unite FDA has published a landmark strategy document, Plough to Plate, which you can now access directly on your phone. See the Unite website’s FDA page – or follow the link
www.unitetheunion.org/ploughtoplate
Unite in FDA – always fighting for better, fighting for you.
Alamy
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