Your employer has a legal duty to make sure your work doesn’t put your health or your baby’s health at risk. This applies throughout pregnancy and when you return to work, for example if you are breastfeeding.
In some roles – especially where there are obvious health and safety risks – it’s important to share your pregnancy news early so that any risks can be assessed and changes put in place. You should not be treated unfairly or dismissed because you can’t do the same work as before due to pregnancy-related health and safety risks.
Often, risks can be reduced through small, practical changes to duties or working arrangements (see ‘Reasonable adjustments’ under Managing sickness during pregnancy).
“We work in an office, so there is a lot of sitting in front of computers… [during my second pregnancy] we had our standing desks which really helped me to be able to stand rather than sit all the time. And I made sure I went on walks at lunch times… to keep moving.” (Sian – Employee, 10-49 staff)
“I had to tell them really early on… because I worked with vulnerable people, so they needed to make sure they did a risk assessment… and I ended up working from home for the full nine months.” (Anurita – Employee, 10-49 staff)
Supportive practices
Organisations can:
- Carry out pregnancy risk assessments promptly and review them as needs change
- Talk openly with staff about any risks in their role
- Be willing to make reasonable, practical adjustments where needed
- Your employer’s duty continues after your return to work, including for breastfeeding employees (see Breastfeeding support).
What can you do to help?
You can let your employer know about any health concerns or changes in their role that might affect your safety at work, so risks can be assessed and managed.
Useful resources:
- Acas – Health and safety for pregnant employees – Practical overview of employer responsibilities and adjustments during pregnancy
- HSE – New and expectant mothers at work (risk assessments) – Official Health and Safety Executive guidance on carrying out risk assessments for pregnant and breastfeeding employees
