Employment rights and breastfeeding

6 replies

Snewt · 16/10/2006 10:37

DS is 6 months old and I've returned to work 3 days a week. He is weaning and formula fed during the day but I am continuing to BF morning and night. Although I'm not expressing (so my boss doesn't have to provide me with time/room for that) does my boss have a legal obligation to allow me to start work later and finish earlier in order to accommodate DS's am/pm breastfeeds? What are my rights here? (Wasn't sure if this thread should go here or in employment)

OP posts:

liquidclocks · 16/10/2006 13:04

Possibly employment threads might get you better advice snewt?

I think what you're asking for is 'flexible working' which your employer does have a legal responsibility to consider BUT if it means you work less hours I'm not sure how that would work. As far as I know with flexible working your employer has to show that your job could not be done in the way in which you propose you restructure your hours - for example someone who works in a callcnetre where they need to maintain staffing levels during shifts may have a problem but someone like myself who works on their own and doesn'tneed to be available at set times can restructure their work day around their family more easily.

hope this helps

mamijacacalys · 16/10/2006 13:44

I think I read somewhere that if you are BF, your employer has to allow you time and somewhere to rest in? Not sure if this is right - advise you to check the Dept of Work and Pensions website for more info.

You are also allowed something like 13 weeks unpaid "parental" leave up until a child is 5. Some people take some or all of this at the end of their maternity leave to extend their time off. I'm not sure if you could use this as part of your "flexi" time i.e. if you need to start the day later and end the day earlier etc. Again, the DWP website should have more info.

Hope this helps.

mooshy · 16/10/2006 14:12

As far as know your employer has to provide with somewhere (not the loo ) to express and the time to do this.
We aren`t allowed time off to actually go and breastfeed but in some countries you can.
Flexible working hours is available so you can stike a better work life balance so maybe you should pursue that, esp if your not expressing anyway.

Original poster

Snewt · 16/10/2006 19:17

Thanks all - will checke DWP website too.

OP posts:

Whizzz · 16/10/2006 19:20

Hang on - will find link

Whizzz · 16/10/2006 19:21

here