Are employers under an obligation to provide breastfeeding facilities for nursing mothers?
Under reg.25(4) of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 (SI 1992/3004) employers are under a duty to provide pregnant women and nursing mothers with “suitable facilities” to rest. The Health and Safety Executive recommends that employers provide a room, while the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), in its model breastfeeding policy (on the EHRC website), advises that employers allow additional breaks and access to a private room, and specify a refrigerator where milk can be stored securely. Breastfeeding at work will really be an issue only where there is a workplace nursery, as a woman’s baby will not otherwise normally be at work. Where there is a workplace nursery, the guidance recommends that employers allow employees to breastfeed at their baby’s normal feeding times. Even where there is no workplace nursery, it is possible that a nursing mother may still wish to express milk during the working day. Employers should note that it may constitute indir
