Welsh NHS Worker Triumphs in Tribunal Battle for Breastfeeding Rights
A healthcare worker in Wales has achieved victory in a tribunal case against a Welsh NHS health board for failing to provide suitable private facilities for expressing breast milk upon her return from maternity leave. Robyn Gibbins brought her case before an employment tribunal, highlighting her disappointment with the Cardiff trust for not offering her a lockable room for expressing milk. During the proceedings, Ms. Gibbins recounted a distressing incident where a male colleague walked in while she was expressing milk and the inadequate solution of using a chair to secure the door. Despite receiving apologies and promises for better facilities, Gibbins continued to face challenges upon her return from her second maternity leave.
Following her grievance, the tribunal found in favour of Ms. Gibbins, ruling that she had experienced harassment related to her gender at work. She had started her role as a healthcare support worker at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff in 2019. Upon returning from her first maternity leave in 2021, she requested a private room with a lock for expressing milk, but was only provided with a sign on the door and advised to use a chair as a makeshift lock. This resulted in feelings of vulnerability, degradation, and a lack of privacy, especially after a male colleague barged in on her expressing.
The tribunal heard that Ms. Gibbins’ need for a secure space was not adequately met, causing her distress and anxiety. The absence of a lock on the room made her feel exposed and worried about others walking in, affecting her ability to express milk effectively. The tribunal emphasised the importance of providing suitable facilities for expressing mothers to feel secure and relaxed, highlighting the individual nature of privacy preferences in such intimate activities. The lack of a lockable room was deemed as unwanted conduct related to gender, specifically linked to breastfeeding.
In response to the ruling, a spokesperson for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board stated their commitment to treating all colleagues with respect and dignity, without discrimination. They acknowledged the tribunal’s decision and expressed cooperation in the ongoing process. A hearing to determine compensation for Ms. Gibbins will be scheduled at a later date. This case underscores the significance of upholding the rights of working mothers, ensuring they have the necessary support and facilities to balance their professional duties with personal needs.
The tribunal’s decision sets a precedence for workplaces to reevaluate their provisions for breastfeeding mothers and reaffirms the importance of creating a supportive environment for new mothers returning to work. The dignity and privacy of breastfeeding mothers should be upheld, and employers must take active steps to accommodate their needs. Ms. Gibbins’ successful tribunal outcome serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by working mothers and the importance of creating inclusive and supportive workplaces for all employees.
Ensuring a conducive and respectful work environment for breastfeeding mothers is not only a legal obligation but also a moral imperative. Employers must take proactive measures to provide appropriate facilities and support for new mothers returning to work. The tribunal’s ruling in favour of Ms. Gibbins sends a clear message about the significance of upholding the rights of breastfeeding women in the workplace. This case highlights the need for continued awareness and advocacy to create inclusive and supportive workplaces for all employees, especially new mothers balancing work and family responsibilities.