Are there guidelines re pregnant women going back to work?

[KnobwithaK]

Just wondering if anyone has seen official guidance (and also what other employers are saying) after last night's announcement?

I work for a large public sector organisation.. have been working from home, but that's only really possible because my team mates have been going into the office. There's about 30% of the work that can't be done from home so other team members are taking on more responsibility which is obviously tough for them and I hugely appreciate it. That said - I really don't want to go back!

@jay0512 totally understand your worry!! You should not be expected to return to your normal position. The trust you work for must put in place measures to ensure you are not directly dealing with patients face to face, if they can’t give you other work (which of course as a nurse that is highly unlikely because your job is patient centred) then they shouldn’t be allowing you to return. I would have the conversation with your manager and explain that the guidance hasn’t changed, unless you can ensure I am not patient faced then I cannot return to work!

@alychloe they’re basing it on the guidance from the RCOG which states “In the light of the limited evidence, pregnant women can only continue to work in direct patient-facing roles
if they are under 28 weeks’ gestation and if this follows a risk assessment that recommends they can continue working..” I’m only 15 weeks! I’m definitely going to have A talk with management but it’s not looking great!

@jay0512 what ward do you work on?! It does state that you shouldn’t work in these areas if there is a greater risk than being in any other place - which if you are working in hospital then the risk is definitely greater!

@alychloe I know! I’m definitely going to fight to remain at home if I can!

Thanks ladies i will certainly have a look into that information you sent me! I'm pretty sure the Health Centre i work in has become a mini testing hub and it's becoming very risky! Although this was just a rumour at the time we have 'red zones' and 'isolation zones' in the building so i'm guessing this must be a real thing, either way very scary!