A NEW menopause policy has been adopted by Skipton Town Council, and with one member suggesting it should be expanded to include men.

Councillor Robert Heseltine said there was evidence that men experienced 'manopause' following hormonal changes.

He told the full meeting of the council he had been listening to a programme on BBC Radio Four on the menopause and much of it had been on the male 'manopause' and its symptoms.

"Us men have similar problems, this is a serious issue," he told Thursday's meeting in Belle Vue Square, Skipton.

Cllr Peter Madeley suggested officers look into it and get some guidance.

The menopause policy, suggested by mayor councillor Claire Nash, is one of three new policies adopted by the council along with one for sexual and general harassment and another for treasury and investment.

By adopting the menopause policy, the council recognises that women going through the menopause may need additional consideration, support and adjustments.

A report to the council states: "The town council recognises that menopausal symptoms can also affect transgender people and non binary people. The council is committed to developing a workplace culture that supports workers experiencing the menopause for them to feel confident to raise issues about their symptoms and ask for reasonable adjustments at work."

With its sexual and general harassment policy, it recognises that harassment and victimisation is unlawful and will not be tolerated.

It recognises that personal harassment takes many forms ranging from 'tasteless jokes and abusive remarks' to bullying.