Working retail - safe?

[MichelleOR84]

My workplace can ensure I keep 2 meters from customers and staff ( spacious shop floor , few customers at the moment ). I’m 19 weeks pregnant. Is that safe?

The information regarding distancing is not clear and when reading government guidelines for retailers they do state that a 2 meter distancing needs to be followed for it to be safe. But all staff are keeping a 2 meter distancing and I don’t feel any more protected which doesn’t feel right.

That sounds about right. I think the latest guidance says employers should be doing a risk assessment with pregnant women to ensure social distancing and consider PPE, a non customer facing role if possible etc.
Women in their 3rd trimester should take extra care and WFH should be considered where possible

@cakemorecake don't think it's as simple as that unless you want to go home unpaid or on sick leave!

The official guidelines say you can work so most employers in areas like retail where it can't be done from home will expect women to go to work. As long as they do a risk assessment and can ensure social distancing/minimal risk then not much you can do.

It's important to remember that pregnant women were only put on the 'vulnerable' list as a precaution and there is no evidence that there is anymore risk to them or their babies.

As far as Im aware pregnant women are no more vulnerable than anyone else. I'm a healthcare assistant in the nhs and I've been told I can even work on covid wards if I want to as long as I wear the correct ppe as I've been instructed and adhere to manual handling policies. And there joblimit on when I need to finish work either so I'm due to finish end of November at the minute for december baby

Oh good , thanks for the responses . I felt fine going back to work until everyone told me I wasn’t being safe . It does feel odd that I’m not given any extra protection though but as long as social distancing is in place then I guess that’s okay .

Hi OP. I work retail and I’m in the same boat, I know what you mean about it feeling odd that there’s no ‘extra’ protection for us but o actually feel like my company are doing a really good of keeping people safe generally which helps.
I don’t know what your relationship with your boss is like but I’ve just tried to be really open with mine about my concerns so it won’t be a total shock if I bring something up at some point.