[pvcprinting]

Hi Folks,

We are thinking of employing on a temp basis an old employee of ours...she has informed us that she is 8 wks pregnant

I have my concerns as the core business in the salon is cleaning which means alot of bending......Have to take this into account when filing the risk assesment

Are there any rules/regs regarding them being alone on premises

Am busy trawling through businesslink but cant find a great deal

Regards

Pete

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by pvcprinting

Hi Folks,



Are there any rules/regs regarding them being alone on premises



Pete

Well that depends .Are you the Father.?

Alvin

[ITbargains]

Hi Pete,

There is a HR consultant I know from a breakfast networking group I go to. This is one of his specialist areas. Would you like me to you in touch with him?

All the best,
Christian

[Indizine]

Check out the ACAS website as well. Lots of guidance there im sure.

I think its common sense, just like if someone was returning to work who needed light duties, etc. I wouldnt shout this out too loud, as you cant legally be seen to be deciding not to employ on the basis she is pregant (as that is how I read it anyhow).

[boxby]

Did you join the FSB?
Their employment line will help.

The one to watch out for is the new legislation that puts temporary employees on equal rights/pay etc are permanent staff. This isn't legislation yet, still proposals, but keep it on your radar as when then decide to implement employment law changes it's usually without much notice.

[pvcprinting]

Originally Posted by Indizine

Check out the ACAS website as well. Lots of guidance there im sure.

I think its common sense, just like if someone was returning to work who needed light duties, etc. I wouldnt shout this out too loud, as you cant legally be seen to be deciding not to employ on the basis she is pregant (as that is how I read it anyhow).

Indi,

Thanks for the shove towards ACAS...I had not thought of that particlar line

I am somewhat confused by your comments as it clearly states we are looking to employ her as she was a past employee...so you have rad it wrongly

All i am seeking to clarify is because of the nature of the work if it is feasible to employ her.....you will appreciate that certain careers are not suited to pregnant women and as much as we like this young girl we have to look after HER best interests

I dont think the last line of your response was called for....we are certainly not that sort of employer

[Indizine]

it clearly states 'we are thinking of employing her' - followed by 'I have my concerns...' but as I said, in brackets, that was how I read it, apologies if you read my post wrongly too (it as not my intention to offend you and I didnt for a minutre think you are like that, its just how it could be read, thats all).

I'm sure she will tell you what she is not able to do, come the time, plus you would be asking her as well. If she is not fit to work she will no doubt get a sick note from her doctor, other than that, lighter duties nearer the 7m mark if its an otherwise normal pregnancy, then I presume she will take her maternity leave when its due.

[pvcprinting]

I am more concerned to be honest about her working alone in the salon

Need to find out if that is a problem...........obviously my wife has not long gone through it and I wouldnt allow her to work in the salon on health grounds...over protective...maybe, but I would never forgive myself if anything happened to her

[Indizine]

Can you ask around in other salons and see what they do? I imagine if she is alone, to ensure she can reach a fonr at all times is imperative. H & S wise, she has to take as much care just as she would say at home, out shopping, etc. so your emphasis is on ensuring safe working conditions at all times. But offering other things like, frequent breaks, etc for her own well-being, and documenting it, regular 1-2-1 and signed policies, etc will all protect you as a business owner, and herself a a mum2be and an employee and show your good will and duty of care.

[boxby]

I think it's just a case of making sure that you've got the dialogue open so that if the employee is feeling a bit wobbly one day, or if she's been suffering nausea, sickness etc, that she has the ability to rush off out for air, take a few minutes out to sit down, or whatever, that she feels open and easy enough to talk to you about it.

Tbh, your wife may be helpful here, partic if its the employees first pregancy, she may find these kind of "i'm feeling a bit crap because......." conversations harded with a bloke.

Is there any issue re chemicals/toxins etc?