Seddon is encouraging construction employers to create workplaces supportive of breastfeeding women coming back to work.
The Bolton-based contractor’s appeal aligns with this year’s World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 August) theme, Invest in breastfeeding, invest in the future, calling for ongoing support for women and babies.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises employers to provide access to a private and hygienic room where women can breastfeed or express milk.
Seddon is supporting parents returning to work through the introduction of breastfeeding rooms and a maternity buddy scheme to support employees in their transition back to work from maternity leave.
The breastfeeding rooms are safe spaces in Seddon’s construction sites and offices that provide a secure, comfortable and clean facility to rest, as well as fridges to store breast milk.
Maternity buddies support pregnant women and their managers to develop a plan that covers all stages of their pregnancy and ensures their needs are met.
Responding to parents’ needs
Nicola Hodkinson, Seddon’s owner and director, said: “The reality is, many decision-makers in our industry are men, and that’s exactly why we need to be more vocal about the practical needs of new mothers. If leaders don’t know what’s required, they can’t make the right changes.
“At Seddon, we’ve seen first hand that when you put something as simple as a breastfeeding room in place, it transforms the return-to-work experience and helps retain valuable talent.
“Investing in breastfeeding isn’t about ticking diversity boxes – it’s about creating workplaces that reflect real life.
“Talking openly and responding to the needs of parents is the best way to make construction a career that people can stay in.
“If healthcare is investing in the early stages, then as employers we must carry that investment forward.”
Seventy-seven per cent of mothers said they had a negative or possibly discriminatory experience during pregnancy, maternity leave or on return from maternity leave, according to a large study by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Equality and Human Rights Commission almost a decade ago.
Hodkinson added: “For many women returning to work in construction, something as straightforward as being able to express milk in a private, hygienic space can make all the difference.
“Without it, we risk losing talented people from our industry at the very point when we need them most.”
