World Breastfeeding Week: What do employers need to know?

Dublin, Ireland. 27 July 2023 - World Breastfeeding Week takes place in the first week of August giving employers an opportunity to review whether they are taking appropriate measures to support new mothers returning to work after maternity leave.

The Irish Government has already bolstered support for new mothers under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, which gives employees workplace breastfeeding rights for a period of two years after the child’s birth.

This is one of five new employee rights being introduced this year under new work life balance legislation which means employers can expect a lot of queries in this area in the coming months.

Moira Grassick, Chief Operating Officer for Peninsula Ireland says: “On July 3, two new rights came into force under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023.

“Under the new act, mothers are entitled to workplace breastfeeding breaks for a period of two years after the child’s birth. The previous duration of six months from the date of the child’s birth made little sense as most mothers would be on maternity leave during that time.

“A new right to five days’ unpaid leave for medical purposes for parents and carers with children under the age of 12 is also now in force.

“While these new provisions will provide working parents with more options, employers can introduce their own policies and procedures to help new mothers. All businesses should have their own internal policy that outlines exactly what rights they will give to new mothers returning to the business.

“In your policy there should be provisions outlined that ensure the new mother’s return to work is as smooth as possible – this could include providing adequate breaks or reduced working hours to ensure that she is at optimal health to care for her child.

“The policy should also confirm the employee’s legal entitlements around breastfeeding breaks. Employees are entitled to a one-hour break with pay for breastfeeding during an eight-hour working day.

“As mothers may also be expressing milk on site, the HSE do recommend that employers provide a hygienic place for mothers to store their milk, this space should be separate from staff food such as a dedicated shelf or separate fridge – however this is not a legal requirement.

“Although new mothers may need extra consideration in the workplace, it’s vital that employers treat new parents with empathy to maintain a continued positive working relationship as well as to ensure they’re complying with employment law.

“Employers that mishandle maternity leave or associated maternity rights risk suffering discrimination claims for breaching the Employment Equality Acts 1998 -2015. To ensure you are doing all you can do, talk to your employees about what support they need to help them with breastfeeding at work.

“For instance, a gradual or phased return to work may help your employee continue breastfeeding for as long as she would like and ensure you maintain a positive working relationship.

“Developing a reputation as a workplace that supports new mothers can have real business benefits, particularly in the area of recruitment and retention which is a big challenge for employers at the moment.”

--ENDS—