Section 17 of the Act expands the protection from discrimination on the grounds of pregnancy and maternity, which already exists for women in the workplace and vocational training, to women outside the workplace. In doing so, the Act specifically mentions the further and higher education sector. The protection afforded due to pregnancy and maternity is narrower than other protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. Consequently there is no protection afforded for discrimination that occurs by being associated with someone who is pregnant or in a period of maternity, or being perceived to be pregnant or in a period of maternity. However, if a woman’s partner is treated unfavourably because of her pregnancy or because she has given birth, this may constitute sex discrimination.
LSE Harassment Policy [PDF]
Breastfeeding
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) provides rest and breastfeeding facilities for staff and students in the New and expectant mothers' room. The room has a lockable door and contains comfortable chairs with footstools, a fridge, a microwave, handwashing facilities and lockers.
If a student needs to breastfeed during lectures or seminars, a risk assessment is conducted by the student’s department to ensure the health and safety of the student and her baby, and any risks identified are managed by the LSE’s health and safety team. Where it is possible for the student to take her baby into lectures and seminars, the student is asked to ensure her baby is supervised at all times and to be considerate of other students.
LSE resources and services for parents
In 2015 the LSE was again recognised as a Top Employer for Working Families. The LSE was also awarded the Cityfathers Best for All Stages of Fatherhood Award. The LSE was also commended for the DTCC Best for Innovation Award and was a Finalist or the 'Best for Mothers' Award. The Top Employers for Working Families Benchmark and Awards, founded by Working Families in partnership with the Institute for Employment Studies, recognise employers who have a long track record in family friendly and flexible working that continue to adjust and refine policies in response to employee and business needs. This is the fifth year the School has been recognised for its family friendly policies by Top Employers for Working Families.
For information on flexible working, maternity, paternity, parental leave and other support for parents/parents-to-be and carers, please see Human Resources webpages on Family friendly benefits and Information for Carers.
LSE nursery
The LSE nursery welcomes children of past and present staff, students and non LSE related parents. Parents can call the Nursery from 8.15am onwards to check whether they are able to look after their child at short notice.
Childcare vouchers
Members of staff can 'exchange' or sacrifice part of their salary in return for childcare vouchers. Tax and National Insurance contributions are not taken on the amount of the salary sacrificed.
Emergency and compassionate leave
LSE staff are eligible for emergency and compassionate leave. For crisis incidents affecting a dependant, staff can take up to two days paid emergency leave. Members of staff are allowed paid leave for the death and attendance at the funeral of immediate family members, other close relatives or other people with whom they had a close continuing relationship.
Networks and support - There are several networks, such as the New Parents and Parents-to-be network and the Network for Carers, which can provide networking and mentoring opportunities as well as a listening ear and support.
Training
The LSE runs several training sessions for parents. Recent ones include ‘Balancing Work: Building Resilience in our Primary Age Children and Ourselves’, ‘Balancing Work and Being Dad’, ‘Balancing Work and Being Mum’.
Pregnant students
There will be a number of options available to you in relation to your studies. The advice you are given will largely depend on your individual circumstances and the timing of the academic year in relation to your pregnancy and due date. You are advised to speak to your department for advice on the best options for you.
Options may include:
The Health and Safety Team have posted some helpful tips [PDF] about how to ease common problems experienced in pregnancy. These are aimed at staff members, but are easily transferable to students.