Pregnant workers

The Usdaw retail union makes clear that: “The right to an individual risk assessment applies to all pregnant women, regardless of what stage of their pregnancy they are in.”

The risk assessment must take into account: the job; any pre-existing health conditions; risks posed by the journey to and from work; and how far it is possible to maintain two-metre social distancing and minimise social contact.

The GMB advises that pregnant women should only continue to work if a risk assessment records that they can continue working safely. This may require modification of the working environment, such as moving them to a role with less contact with colleagues or customers. If the employer is not able to make reasonable adjustments to ensure work can be carried out in a safe environment, it must provide suitable alternative work on the same terms and conditions, such as working from home.

If there is no suitable alternative work and they cannot do their job from home, the employer must suspend them on full pay in line with normal requirements under regulation 16(3) of the Management Regulations.