Women losing £86,139 from pension due to little-known menopause rule

British women lose nearly £90,000 in retirement savings due to menopause. Nearly 8 out of 10 women go through the menopause while they’re still working with many forced to take a long time off work, Fidelity International has revealed.

Women taking career breaks due to menopause symptoms could face a staggering £86,139 shortfall in their retirement savings. 8 in 10 women experience menopause whilst still working, affecting a significant portion of the UK's 47 per cent female workforce.

Research from Fidelity's annual Women and Money study shows 10 per cent of women in their 40s report menopause symptoms negatively impacting their earning potential. This figure rises to 16 per cent for women in their 50s, with many forced to take substantial time off work.

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60 per cent of women are taking career breaks compared to 43 per cent of men, due to various responsibilities including childcare (23 per cent), health issues (22 per cent), and caring for older family members (nine per cent). Jackie Boylan, the head of Investor Servicing at Fidelity International, said: "These figures highlight a critical issue - women are disproportionately affected by life events that require them to take career breaks."

Analysis shows that if you’re 51 - the average age at which menopause symptoms typically begin, earning an average salary of £28,765- you could see your pension pot fall by over £18,000 if you take a one-year career break and by over £36,000 if you take a two-year career break because of your symptoms.

"Menopause is just one of many life stages that can affect a woman's career and financial stability, and addressing the financial implications of menopause is crucial." She emphasised that "employers and policymakers must work together to create supportive environments that acknowledge these challenges and empower women to manage their careers and health without sacrificing their financial futures".

The company explained: "Managing the menopause is hard enough as it is. Taking control of your finances really can help you feel better about the future. And small sacrifices now will almost certainly benefit you further down the line."