Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many new and expectant mothers used the Health and Safety Executive's advice services in each of the last five years; and what plans he has to improve the health and safety of pregnant women's and new mothers' workplaces.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) started collecting information in March 2015 on the number of new and expectant mothers contacting its advice line. Data since then indicates that 29 new and expectant mothers contacted the advice line on this topic.

HSE revised its website and other published guidance on managing health and safety for new and expectant mothers at work in 2012 and in 2014. The revisions were aimed at improving the clarity of information provided for both workers and employers. HSE also contributed to advice produced by Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) in 2013 on breastfeeding at work.

HSE is currently working with the Equality and Human Rights Commission to assess the findings of a major survey on pregnancy and maternity discrimination at work, and any implications for dutyholders’ management of workplace health and safety for pregnant women and new mothers.