§ Mr. KidneyTo ask the Minister for Women what entitlement there is for women in work to take breaks for breastfeeding; and if she will make a statement. [173955]
§ Ms HewittThe law requires employers to give breastfeeding women a place to rest and every employer must ensure that when an employee notifies that she is breastfeeding she or her child are not exposed to any risks from the work activity as long as she continues to882W breastfeed. HSE publishes comprehensive guidance on how employers can meet their legal requirements on their website: www.hse.gov.uk/mothers.
The Government believes that arrangements for when breaks should be taken for breastfeeding should be a matter for agreement between employers and employees as it would be difficult to design a regulatory provision that would be workable across different sectors. We would always encourage employers and employees to work together to find arrangements which will best balance the needs of the mother and the business.