Extra breaks at work?

[EssJayPea]

Quick question, but, does anyone know if we're entitled to any more breaks in our day when pregnant?

I work 10.5 hours per day and this includes 30 minutes for lunch.

I was feeling really sore today on my feet then one of the girls I work with mentioned that, when pregnant, you should get an extra couple of 15 minute breaks to rest.

When I asked my boss, she said she hadn't heard of this and if I could find any legal info, could I pass it on to them.

Anyone any the wiser than me here?

xxx

PS - they're also unaware that we get paid leave for midwife/ante natal appointments. I was positive we do. Am I right? (I work for a modern day Scrooge so trying to get them to pay is near impossible!).

 

[Emily0505]

You are entitled to take time off for AN appointments.

I don't know if you are entitled to extra breaks though? My work did a risk assessment for me and said I could take extra if I needed them but to be honest I don't have the time to take extra breaks anyway!!

XX

 

[charliebear]

Do you have a risk assessment? Time to sit down/having a chair where you work should be included in it if your on your feet for long periods of time.

Try this....http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents...ilies/Pregnancyandmaternityrights/DG_10026556

 

[Kirsty.Y.84]

You should definitely get paid time off for mw apps, but I'm not sure about the breaks. I've not heard anything around that x

 

[Water_Melon]

Yes yes yes, paid time off for appointments for sure!
Also, my work said to take extra breaks if I need them. Not sure if it's a legal requirement, but surely if.they cared about your health, they would let you, no questions asked!!

 

[Loula]

i wworking 10 hour shifts with a 30 min lunch, i was abl to take a beak in the morning and one in the afternoon if needed as i was on my feet all day, i think its up to the empplyers dicretion x

 

[leesey]

I definitely read somewhere that rest breaks were to be included in your risk assessment, but I'm not sure if that was for teachers... surely it would apply to everyone? I'll try find out where I read it xx

 

[Butterflykisses]

If we work 10 hour shift, normally, we get 2 x 10 minutes break and 1 x 30 minute break. That's without being pregnant.

I read recently that a rest area should be provided for pregnant ladies in case they need a wee rest during their shift. That came from the manual I was given at my recent health and safety course. Not sure if it applies everywhere or just through our Union.

You are definitely entitled to paid time off for MW and hospital appointments. This includes travel to and from the appointment.

 

[leesey]

Long working hours is considered a risk that needs to be dealt with, according to the government:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Moneyandworkentitlements/WorkAndFamilies/Pregnancyandmaternityrights/DG_10026556

 

[babyem]

I dont know, I dont think you are legally entitled to more breaks. x

 

[Mrsstuart01]

I would have thought anyone working for 10 hours would be entitled to more than 30 mins for lunch??!! That seems a long shift without more of a break xx

 

[Leah04x]

I don't think you're legally entitled to more breaks, but surely if you're struggling, your employer has a duty of care towards you as a pregnant employee?? x

 

[EssJayPea]

Thanks girls xx

 

[EssJayPea]

Long working hours is considered a risk that needs to be dealt with, according to the government:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Moneyandworkentitlements/WorkAndFamilies/Pregnancyandmaternityrights/DG_10026556

Thanks for the link. Found a couple of bits I can show my horrible boss! Xx

 

[EssJayPea]

Do you have a risk assessment? Time to sit down/having a chair where you work should be included in it if your on your feet for long periods of time.

Try this....http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents...ilies/Pregnancyandmaternityrights/DG_10026556

Thanks for that link. Really good info there too! Xx

 

[Laura1391]

I used to work from 8.45 until 5.30 and we were entiled to a 45min lunch break and short breaks in the morning and afternoon but we worked on computers and legally they have to give you a break from the screen sorry if thats not much help! I would have thought though if you are pregnant they would be linient (bad spelling sorry) xxx

 

[katie_lou]

Hey Hun

You should get paid for all MW and antenatal appointments, also legally you Are not entitiled to any extra breaks but if you are on your feet all day your work should provided you with a chair for during the day . I work in a hotel and am in one of the offices out back but the reception team don't have chairs howeve if one of them are pregnant they do provided them with one so they can sit down throughout the day . Xxx

 

[Beximillian]

I agree with the others, I am sure I've read somewhere that by law employers have to offer pregnant women a certain amount of extra breaks. I was lucky as I never needed them, because I never would have got a chance - I work 12.5 hours in a private hospital and we generally just ate on the go.