New mothers need more help from larger employers

During a recent talk at the Hay Literary Festival, BBC One Show presenter Alex Jones spoke convincingly about the need for large employers, such as the BBC, to do more when it comes to accommodating the needs of new mothers.

Most tellingly, the presenter said that although many larger employers talk the talk when it comes to support during the post-birth period, they too often failed to back this up with meaningful actions.

Jones returned to work just three months after the birth of her son in January 2017 and said that although she acknowledged this was a quick return, it would have been easier if the BBC had provided better facilities to help her return to work as a new mother.

“Companies all say the right things. They say yes we’re there. We’re going to support families, we are going to make it possible for dads to take paternity leave, for mothers to take extended maternity leave, to feed at work,” she said.

Jones also criticised her boss for failing to understand her needs as a breastfeeding mother and, therefore, not providing sufficient facilities.

“Actually, the truth is the facilities still aren’t there. They talk a good game but even at the BBC – and oh my goodness, I hope they’re not here now – there isn’t a creche, there isn’t a room where you can express milk, there isn’t a fridge where you can put your milk … there’s a pregnancy contemplation room.”

Her position was supported by fellow BBC employee, Radio 3 presenter Clemency Burton-Hill, who said that although there was a facility for new mothers where she worked, it was poorly advertised, dark, smelly and possibly unhygienic. She also recalled attempting to use the designated mothers’ facility only to find that it was occupied by “a bloke having a kip” who became resentful when he was disturbed.

Hopefully, the presenters’ comments will help shed light on the issue and get large employers to do more to ensure new mothers get all the facilities and support they need. A spokesperson for the BBC commented that the corporation has commissioned the head of BBC Scotland, Donalda MacKinnon, to conduct a review to see what more can be done to support mothers in the workplace.

“This review has been hearing from women across the BBC as well as examining best practice in other organisations and will be reporting back soon,” they said.