Menopause awareness has come a long way in recent years – especially in the workplace. This stands to reason, as nearly 80% of menopause-age women in the UK are in work, according to the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM). In fact, according to ONS figures, menopausal women are the fastest-growing demographic in the workforce. While menopause isn’t challenging for everyone, around three-quarters going through it will experience symptoms – such as brain fog, impaired sleep, hot flushes, anxiety and mood changes – and for one in four women, the impact is severe. Celebrities like Davina McCall have worked hard to tackle taboos and open up conversations around menopause, and a lot has been going on behind the scenes to improve things across healthcare and the workplace. As World Menopause Day 2023 (October 18) approaches, three key figures in the field share their thoughts on the progress so far, and what needs to happen next… Louise Minchin, TV presenter, author and journalist “Progress has definitely been made in respect of people feeling able to speak up. Even if they don’t yet have the answers, people know they can ask the questions – the conversation is no longer taboo, which is brilliant,” says Minchin, who has been at the forefront of menopause conversations in the media. “There’s so much more in the public domain on menopause now, and this enables people to have more of a handle on the topic, and a much better idea where to find help.” In terms of what needs to happen next, she adds: “Employers should be much clearer on how to access training, advice and signposting services that will help their employees work through menopause. Guidelines are all well and good, but [people] need clarity – they need action plans, access to expert trainers and well-informed educators to help them understand and meet their responsibilities and obligations. “It’s important to change the culture, as only when this happens can people open up about what’s happening to them. If you have a supportive and open culture, people feel able to continue in their jobs with the changes that might be needed,” says Minchin – adding that it’s also important to remember “not everyone wants to share or will feel comfortable talking about their situation or their symptoms”, and that needs to be respected too. “We must keep going until we reach the point where we don’t even have to have a conversation about what employers are doing to support colleagues through menopause – because they just are.” Deborah Garlick, CEO of Henpicked: Menopause In The Workplace “In terms of progress, we’ve seen a significant increase in the number of employers taking menopause in the workplace seriously. Seven years ago, no employers had a menopause policy or guidance document. “Today, research suggests around half do, and we have hundreds of employers working towards The Menopause Friendly Accreditation to prove and demonstrate the remarkable, positive impact they’re making for their colleagues,” says Garlick, referencing a scheme set up to show employers ‘have a clear understanding of how menopause can have an effect at work’ and that they ‘care about the wellbeing’ of women at work. “Next we need to see every employer commit to being menopause friendly by putting their menopause policy into action. This is urgent, important and critical for organisational success, particularly with the double threat of our ageing population and the shrinking talent pool,” adds Garlick. “Employers who fail to look after people working through menopause will fall behind.” Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP, Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee “We’ve made progress on the taboo and stigma, but we need healthcare to up its game. Too many women are still being told they’re too young, it’s depression, you can manage without HRT,” says Nokes, who heads up the cross-party committee set up in 2015 to scrutinise government work and spending around issues impacting women. HRT shortages also need to be tackled, Nokes adds: “You can’t be at your awesome best if you’re anxious about whether your next prescription will be filled – and that is in itself a workplace issue. If we are worried about productivity as a nation, then we need to give menopausal and perimenopausal women the tools to be as productive as possible.” Read More Online apps recommended to manage lower back pain From choppy bobs to fox red, 5 celebrity-approved hair trends for autumn The UK’s first dedicated male breast cancer organisation has launched How Taylor Swift’s style has evolved over the years Model Emily Ratajkowski unveils latest fashion campaign 10 ways to cosy-up your home for an autumnal vibe

Kendall Jenner receives mixed reactions from fashion critics as she struts down the Jacquemus runway in a pantless meringue dress

Daniel Radcliffe has spoken out about the joys of raising his son with his longtime girlfriend, Erin Darke. Radcliffe, 33, opened up about becoming a father during a recent interview withE! News. His comments came days after he spoke about parenting for the first time, with the actor confirming that he welcomed a “little boy” with Darke in April. Speaking to E! News, the Harry Potter star noted that while he’s enjoyed his time with his son so far, he’s also loved seeing his partner become a parent. “It’s a crazy thing, but it’s also really beautiful, watching my girlfriend become a mum,” he said. [It’s] really the most incredible, beautiful thing to be witness to. So, it’s great.” He poked fun at how grown-up his son is, as he joked that the baby is “fully talking at three-months-old”, and is “very advanced”. The actor then clarified that his child has reached a different milestone, adding: “He’s smiling and that’s all I need. That’s awesome. Some people have to wait a lot longer for that so I’m really happy with that.” During an interview withEntertainment Tonight on 3 July, Radcliffe first revealed that he and Darke were parents to a son, who they welcomed earlier this year. He also acknowledged that he’s been taking some time off from work to focus on his family “It’s great. It’s crazy and intense,” he said about becoming a first time dad. But he’s wonderful and Erin is amazing - it’s a real privilege also to have this time with him. I was always going to take some time off, which not everyone is able to do, and so I’m able to kind of just be here with him a lot, which is lovely.” The Kill Your Darlings star noted that as his child gets older, he will probably be more considerate about how many acting projects he takes on. “It hasn’t really yet affected things, but I really like spending time with him, and I think I’m gonna miss him when I go back to work later in the year,” he said. “So, I will definitely be I think a bit more selective - not more selective, I’ve always been selective, but I think I’ll probably work a little bit less for the next few years.” However, according to Radcliffe, he doesn’t plan to leave acting anytime soon. “I’ll never be stopping. I don’t think that’s good for me either,” he added. In an interview with Newsweek, Radcliffe also opened up about starting a family while working in Hollywood. More specifically, he explained how his own experience with childhood stardom will influence how he parents his children one day. “I want my kids, if and when they exist... I would love them to be around film sets,” he said. “A dream would be for them to come onto a film set and be like ‘God, you know, I’d love to be in the art department. I’d love to be something in the crew.’ Some part of this, but not from that.” The Weird: The Al Yankovic Story star added that even though he enjoys acting himself, he “wouldn’t want fame for [his] kid”. “I think if you can get a situation where you’re on film sets without necessarily [thinking] oh, this is gonna be a big deal in your life, that’s great,” he said. “Film sets are wonderful places. I think a lot of the time it can be wonderful for kids. But it’s really the fame side of it that should be avoided at all costs.” While he recently opened up about fatherhood, Radcliffe has not yet revealed what the name of his new baby is. This doesn’t necessarily come as a surprise, since he and Darke, who’ve been dating since 2012, kept the news of their pregnancy relatively private. Read More Daniel Radcliffe gives frank answer to possibility of joining Harry Potter series Daniel Radcliffe opens up about fatherhood for the first time Daniel Radcliffe shares feelings about new actor playing Harry Potter Daniel Radcliffe opens up about fatherhood for the first time Fiona Phillips target of telephone scam following Alzheimer’s diagnosis Disability Pride Month: Motor neurone disease diagnosis spurred us on to get married

Whether you’re after waterproof walking, springy strolls or harder hikes and punishing treks, there are plenty of boots out there which will be a perfect fit this summer. Take a look at five we tried out, to help you put your best foot forward on a summer staycation. Berghaus Women’s Expeditor Trek 2.0 Boots (£99, tiso.com) Key features: No wearing in needed, thanks to super cushioning from the EVA midsoles and OrthoLite footbed. Their split suede upper, robust, grippy soles and all-round performance makes them good value for money. They were also the easiest boots to get on and off, with a wide entry point. Verdict: These snug-fitting – but comfy – walking boots pack a punch for the price and I did a five-miler straight from the box and didn’t suffer any ill effects around the toes or the ankles. They are reasonably lightweight and fairly generous width-wise, although I could feel a slight pinch point mid-foot by the end of the first walk, which evened out the more I used them. The grip is sufficient for tricky hills and they are also waterproof, although I suspect you won’t do the suede upper any good if you’re traipsing through boggy puddles. On the whole, a great all-rounder for the price. Columbia Women’s Trailstorm Mid Waterproof Walking Shoe (£90, columbiasportswear.co.uk) Key features: Their weight – just 290g. Their versatility and good looks mean they wouldn’t look out of place under jeans, if you’re doing a short amble with a stop-off at the pub, or some easy sightseeing en route. Verdict: These super-lightweight boots – which are actually billed as a walking shoe but have some ankle cushioning – are a cross between a sturdy trainer and a light walking boot. They have the comfortable springiness of a trainer – which is great for walking on dry ground – while the grip will hold you steady on more rocky terrain. They are waterproof, withstanding a bit of summer rain, but I wouldn’t be taking them into boggy winter conditions any time soon. They’re ideal for summer, when you don’t want heavy boots for meandering along easy country paths and green fields in the sunshine. Get a size up from your regular shoe fitting and you’ll do miles in total comfort. Helly Hansen W Switchback Trail Helly Tech (£120, hellyhansen.com) Key features: Their toe and heel caps keep your feet secure and protected, they’re fully waterproof and feel sturdy, despite being relatively light. Verdict: These are impressively sturdy boots considering how light they feel, definitely not an enhanced trainer but with an understated, stylish look, which would appeal to both younger and older walkers. During a 10-miler across mixed terrain, they had a sure grip providing stability on rocky, unstable downhill slopes, while the cushioning on super hard surfaces made you feel like you were walking on cotton wool. Get yourself a size up if you want to wear thick socks with them in the winter, but the spongy, comfortable materials used around the ankle and the tongue should assure you of a blister-free trek. Merrell Moab Speed Mid GORE-TEX (£135, merrell.com) Key features: The mid-sole has extra cushioning, which protects the balls of your foot, along with a ‘rockplate’ which helps reduce the impact of unforgiving sharp rocks or stones underfoot. Verdict: With a Gore-Tex lining you can count on, I yomped through muddy fields and shallow puddles and stayed dry – it’s worth paying an extra few quid for the knowledge you won’t be squelching in your boots. In our unpredictable British summers, though, you want plenty of breathability which these boots have in spades. After trying them out on a warm spring day in thin socks, my feet emerged as dry as a bone. Eco-warriors may be impressed with the 100% recycled laces, which didn’t feel flimsy, the recycled mesh lining and 30% recycled rubber in the outsole. AKU Alterra Mid GTX (£229.90, aku.it/en) Key features: The outer sole and impressive grip helps prevent you stumbling on rocky, uneven ground, while there’s excellent protection around the ankle, yet it still feels spongy and comfortable. Verdict: The Italian specialist brand Aku says these sturdy boots are designed for medium terrain and longer rambles over mixed ground, but these were by far the toughest boots, with such impressive grippy soles that I think they’re just as suitable for winter walks. They may be a little extravagant – and a bit heavier looking – for easier summer rambles, but if you’re a hardcore hiker with aims of climbing challenging peaks this summer, these are just the job. And right on cue, Aku has brought out a new lighter weight version of the same boot, so look out for the Alterra Lite Mid GTX. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Do I need to treat my garden furniture before storing it for winter? Prince William heads to New York for UN General Assembly climate week event London Fashion Week: Jourdan Dunn walks in emotional Richard Quinn show

You may recognize Our Place by its internet-famous, nontoxic, and oh so versatile cookware creation: the Always Pan. Now you can identify the beloved brand by yet another multipurpose staple: the Wonder Oven. This $195 multipurpose appliance air-fries, reheats, steams, bakes, broils, toasts, and roasts all in one 10-inch-wide stainless steel compartment. If you’re like me, then one look at Our Place’s debut adult Easy-Bake Oven (Oh, those adorable dials!) will leave you intrigued, utterly smitten, and, in all honesty, skeptical.

'If I were asked to give up my career and just move countries, I would do it without question for my daughter,' said Chopra

I’ll go right ahead and say it: I am not a summer fashion person. Growing up in Puerto Rico, warm-weather clothing made up my year-round wardrobe and I hated it all my life. But my disdain for stereotypical resortwear goes beyond my love of tailoring, textures like plaid and knits, and black clothing. I find that, often, summer styles are romanticized to levels I can’t quite wrap my head around. In fashion campaigns and cruise shows, the vibrant prints, maxi dresses and caftans, and raffia accessories promise an escape from the more buttoned-up fashion of other seasons, yet never quite deliver IRL. A Caribbean villa with a private beach has yet to materialize whenever I bring out my gladiator sandals. Instead, I find myself running around with straps falling off my skin and sunglasses slipping from sweating my makeup and SPF off.

Featured picks: Best kitchen/home sale SMEG Fabulous 4th Sale (opens in a new tab) 25%

Saudi Arabia confirmed it plans to bid for the men’s football World Cup in 2034, as the kingdom

A voice note from Pete Davidson to animal rights group Peta has been leaked - and the comedian is furious that they made comments about his new dog. Davidson, who claims to be severely allergic to dogs, bought a Cavapoo for his family, after their two-year-old pooch died just a week prior. It prompted outrage from Peta, who slammed him for not adopting one instead. "I just want to let you know, I’m severely allergic to dogs so I have to get a specific breed", he scathed in the message. "Why don’t you do your research before you f****** create news stories for people? F*** you and suck my d***". Click here to sign up for our newsletters

Scam accounts are taking advantage of the Titan submersible implosion to spread fake, AI-generated images

What happens when an unexpectedly powerful technology becomes an overnight sensation, quickly making its way