LBG changes its pregnant workers policy
Lloyds Banking Group has told us that it’s changing the way pregnant colleagues are treated now that Covid related government restrictions and guidance have moved on. It has consulted with its Chief Medical Officer who has advised that most pregnant people can work normally, subject to risk assessment.
Now, all pregnant colleagues who are customer facing or who are required to work in an office are referred for an occupational health assessment once they’ve completed the new and expectant mothers risk assessment.
And all colleagues 28+ weeks pregnant who can’t work from home have to remain at home.
The new approach from 1st June 2022 will be:
- All colleagues will continue to have a new and expectant mothers risk assessment.
- Occupational health referrals will no longer be mandated for all pregnant colleagues who attend an LBG office or branch during their pregnancy.
- But occupational health referrals can be made/requested at any time should the colleague or manager have any concerns.
- The mandatory requirement to work at home or remain at home is removed for pregnant colleagues 28+ weeks pregnant.
- Colleagues working at home under the current arrangement will have a conversation with their line manager. If they wish to return to an office or branch until their normal maternity leave start date, the new and expectant mothers risk assessment should be revisited and if further advice is needed, they should be referred for an occupational health assessment prior to returning.
We’ve sought assurances that:
- The business will support colleague requests for an occupational health referral – not just those requested by managers.
- Occupational health recommendations will be followed in full (by the business and colleague).
The NHS website remains clear that you’re at higher risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 if you’re pregnant and if you get it late in pregnancy, your baby could also be at risk. Further, it’s important to avoid catching and spreading COVID-19 if you’re more than 28 weeks pregnant.
More advice from the NHS on how to stay safe during pregnancy is here.
Get support
Line managers will be provided with guidance on how to implement this change. If you're an Accord member who is impacted by the changes and can’t sort things out with your line manager, please get in touch with the regional officer who supports your workplace or by email to [email protected].
