Pregnant and New Mothers at Work

Pregnant and New Mothers at Work

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSW), stipulate employers take into account the health and safety risks to New and Expectant Mothers in the workplace. Risks will need to be managed to reduce the likelihood of harm in accordance with the College Maternity and Family Leave Policy.

Pregnancy

Medical appointments

Expectant mothers, regardless of their length of service, are entitled to reasonable paid time off to keep appointments for ante-natal care made on the advice of a doctor, registered midwife or registered health visitor. Ante-natal care is not necessarily restricted to medical examinations. For example, it could include parenting classes. Members of staff should give their managers as much notice as possible of appointments.

With the exception of the first appointment, managers may ask for a certificate from a registered medical practitioner, registered midwife or health visitor to confirm that the member of staff is pregnant and an appointment card or other evidence showing that an appointment has been made.

Definition

"New or Expectant Mother": A woman, who is pregnant, has given birth within the preceding 6 months or is breastfeeding.