Pregnancy, health and work

Supporting pregnant employees and new mothers at work: challenges and opportunities

Summary:

Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Raja Gangopadhyay explains why it is important for employers to provide a supportive work environment for pregnant women and new mothers.

Women represent about 47% of those in employment in the UK¹, and this figure has been steadily rising. There are more expectant and new mothers in the workplace now than ever before. Since 2010, the employment rate of mothers has been higher compared to women without dependent children. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, three in four mothers (75.6%) were employed in the UK between April and June 2021 – their highest employment rate for the equivalent quarter over the previous 20 years².

Every employer should have clear policies and practices in place to support their employees through pregnancy, childbirth and beyond. This will ensure that they are complying with their legal obligations, including health and safety regulations, and that employees are not discriminated against when they have a family…

 

Dr Raja Gangopadhyay is a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist and the lead obstetrician in perinatal mental health at West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust. He is the founder and chair of trustees for the International Forum for Wellbeing In Pregnancy (IFWIP), a registered charity.

Author: Gangopadhyay R

Tags pregnancy, menopause and reproductive health

Occupational Health at Work August/September 2023 (vol. 20/2) pp33-37

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