Maternity Benefits Guide - Hampshire County Council

It is advisable for you to stay away from work if your
doctor considers that there is a risk of contracting one of
these diseases (this applies mostly in the early months of
pregnancy). If you are advised not to go into work, you
will be granted leave with full pay provided you do not
unreasonably refuse to work in a different location.
Chemical factors
Nurses, pharmacists and laboratory staff among others
should avoid exposure to:
• lead and lead derivatives
• solvents
• mercury
• certain benzene hydrocarbons
• anaesthetic gases.
If a risk is identified, measures must be taken to protect
employees from it. These should be done in the following
sequence:
• introduce safety measures to control the risk.
• temporarily adjust working conditions and hours.
• temporarily relocate the employee to another job.
• give paid time off.
If you have any concerns about your health and safety
while at work you should bring these to the attention of
your line manager immediately.
Please contact your Health and Safety team for further
advice on health and safety matters for new and
expectant mothers at work.
16.2 Employee Support Line (ESL)
HCC has a free face-to-face counselling service for staff
who need support with personal or work related issues.
This service is totally confidential within The British
Association for Counselling Ethical Framework and
staffed by experienced and trained counsellors. The
support line can be contacted on 023 8062 6606 and
further details are available on the ESL website.
16.3 Teacher Support Line
There is a free 24-hour counselling support service for
teachers who may need support with personal or work
related issues. This service is confidential and is provided
by the Teacher Support Network. The ‘phone number is
08000 562 561.
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