Employers are not doing enough to keep new and expectant mothers safe at work
Some employers are ignoring their legal duty to remove risks from the workplace
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Employers are being urged to take additional measures to ensure new and expectant mothers are safe at work.
According to the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and Maternity Action, which have suggested new measures employers should take to increase safety, many employers “do not know what they should be doing” - or are ignoring their legal responsibilities.
The new suggestions include such measures as changing workload and hours, varying hours and increasing breaks for new or expectant mothers.
TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Pregnancy can be a stressful enough time for any woman without them having to worry about dangers at work as well.
“Bosses need to do far more to ensure expectant or new mums are safe at work. Too many are ignoring their legal duty to remove risks from the workplace.”
According to Rosalind Bragg, the director of Maternity Action, a UK charity that is committed to ending inequality for pregnant women, the charity receives numerous calls from women who are worried for their safety.
“We know from the women calling our advice line that too many employers are failing to take the health and safety of pregnant and breastfeeding women in the workplace seriously,” she said. “As a result, we know that many women end up having to choose between risking their own health or that of their baby, going off sick, or leaving their job altogether.”
For work benefits for new and expectant mothers and maternity advice regarding rights, you can learn more here.
Reporting agencies contributed to this story.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments