Anyone know the rules on taking extra breaks while pregnant?

[Fagin99]

I work for an utterly insensitive and tyrannical boss. I'm six months' pregnant and completely exhausted and I'm becoming slower at work than usual (desk job). I really want to ask for extra breaks, which I know I'm entitled to, but does anyone know if these extra break times need to be made up later or are they paid?

The reason I ask is that each day we're made to fill out a timesheet that needs a minimum of productive working minutes each day. At the moment, I'm working overtime each day to make up the breaks I'm taking (I work from home so they don't know I'm taking breaks) but this only adds to my exhaustion.

Unfortunately she is unlikely to be sympathetic, I'll need proof that im legally entitled to it. Thanks in advance!

You are entitled to time to attend appointments relating to your pregnancy, but I have never heard of entitlement to extra breaks. Also employers don’t usually need to be pay break times. You might be better off discussing with your boss and reaching an agreement between you.

You should have completed a pregnancy risk assessment with your manager or your Occupational Health person.
This section of the HSE guidance says you are entitled to extra breaks but they need to be decided with your manager,
www.hse.gov.uk/mothers/employer/rest-breastfeeding-at-work.htm

Extra breaks? Is that a thing?

I've never heard of extra breaks, is this a thing?

I’ve never heard of extra breaks being a specific thing. A risk assessment and changes to duties if they are no longer safe (my workplace was things like not using ladders or heavy lifting etc) but nothing specifically about breaks.

I don’t think you are entitled to extra breaks, however any staff I have managed that have been pregnant, or have other conditions are told they can take extra breaks if needed. A risk assessment should be done really where you can identify any issues.

Think you must have misheard op. There is no entitlement to extra breaks when pregnant.

Not sure extra paid breaks are a thing unless agreed with your manager.

You aren't entitled to extra breaks while pregnant, I say that at almost 36 weeks pregnant and knackered. Its not fair on your other work colleagues

Your employers will need to make reasonable requirements to allow you to continue your duties.

More frequent comfort breaks may form that.

Have you not had your risk assessment?

No legal entitlement I'm afraid but could be offered by the employer if they wanted to. What does your risk assessment say?

@Suprima

Your employers will need to make reasonable requirements to allow you to continue your duties.

More frequent comfort breaks may form that.

Have you not had your risk assessment?

What part of employment law do you get that information from? I am not sure it is accurate.

As others have said, there is no legal requirement.

I didn’t sleep well in pregnancy so made arrangements with my line manager that I could start later (10am) and work through to 7pm, with an extra half hour for lunch to rest if needed.

This was solely agreed because he was a decent person though, rather than any entitlement to it.

What part of employment law do you get that information from? I am not sure it is accurate.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require the employer to carry out a risk assessment for any pregnant woman and take reasonable steps to remove any risks. That may include more frequent breaks, but it is not guaranteed that it will. If the employer is unable to remove all the risks, the employee must be suspended on full pay.

Suprima is referring to that.

Thanks everyone for your replies. I had a feeling that extra breaks may be based on goodwill only, which is a shame as it leaves it up to the individual employer.

I have had a risk assessment, if you can call it that. It was more just a two-minute tick box exercise to make sure I wasn't exposed to radiation etc.

The frustration with my job is that they have clear expectations (demands) as to how long parts of the job should take and I have to write this on my timesheet. The one day I dared to be honest and say it took me an extra hour to do something (due to being exhausted and feeling sick) resulted in a telling off. I now just say it took me a shorter time than it really did, and then make up the required minimum time sheet hours as overtime. It utterly sucks, but it's better than being yelled at for being slow.

Thanks for confirming anyway. Bring on mat leave!