Employers must ensure working conditions don’t pose health risks to pregnant employees or their babies. It is unlawful to dismiss someone or treat them unfavourably because they cannot carry out the same work due to pregnancy-related risks or because they are breastfeeding on return to work (see Breastfeeding Support).
- In roles with clear health and safety risks, early notification allows you to carry out a risk assessment and put precautions in place.
- In many cases, 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
- 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
- Remember that your duty continues after return to work, including for breastfeeding employees
What can employees do to help?
Employees can let their employer know about any health concerns or changes in their role that might affect their 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
