1. Overview
These pages explain how employers should manage the health and safety of pregnant workers and new mothers.
Employers are responsible for providing a safe working environment while effectively managing risks to the health and safety of all workers, including women of a childbearing age.
You must carry out an individual risk assessment[7] for pregnant workers and new mothers. This applies to workers who:
- are pregnant
- have given birth in the last 6 months, or
- are currently breastfeeding
Some working conditions[8] and processes can potentially harm them and/or their child so you must assess and control the risks posed in each case.
This guidance applies to all new and expectant mothers. It’s important for employers to support them all equally. The legal protections outlined also apply to some transgender men, non-binary people and people with variations in sex characteristics, or who are intersex.
When a worker tells you they are pregnant
Once your worker has informed you in writing, you must complete an individual risk assessment and make any necessary changes to support them.
Gig economy, agency or temporary workers
If you employ gig economy, agency or temporary workers[9] who are pregnant workers or new mothers, you will have duties under health and safety law.
For health and safety purposes, they should be treated no differently to other workers.
Advice aimed at workers
We have separate advice for pregnant workers and new mothers[10] themselves.