Most managers' offices have "reception" chairs. Provided they don't have arms 3 or 4 pushed together should do - it about raising the feet. And the manager can have a wander about for 20 minutes, to see what's going on!

As the the vast majority* of workplaces have little space U will have to do what is RP in your individual circumstances as the law knows that not every office etc. has space for a person to fully rest

A suitable assessment that is carried out in plenty of time before a negative situation arises should give answers to the questions asked so as U can manage a situation noting that each pregnancy is different as is the expectant mother concerned as some mums are uncooperative as a person irrespective of pregnancy whilst others are the opposite but that is a HR problem and not a H&S problem as is the situation where an expectant mum may have to be sent home for her and the baby's own good and sometimes allowing a person to rest in "a.n.others" office is not all bad

*I make my comment 'majority' based on the fact that most businesses in the UK are very small businesses with very small/few facilities as noted by the gov and business institutions

As Ian A-H says, the main purpose for the lying down is to elevate the feet which can help with oedema. Yes, some chairs pushed together (without arms) or a sofa would be OK to lie down on but please remember to get some blinds for the office windows as I am sure your pregnant lady with her legs up, etc doesn't want to feel that she is in a goldfish bowl.

Thanks all for the reply's

I have just gone through an assessment and will revisit it in a couple of months. So far we have agreed with her that if she feels the need to raise her legs etc to use another fixed chair. We have a room which will be private and blinds can be drawn.

Not exactly able to lie down, but legs raised a possibility. All chairs have arms and or the wheeled office type chairs, so no chance of pushing together. No room for a sofa anywhere that would be considered private.

We will monitor and if as things progress it looks like it will be an issue, we may have to look at what we can do or give her time off. She seems ok with what was said and she can call me anytime.

I can imagine smaller companies having more problems than us, especially when costs are cut and so many threads on here about jamming as many people into a space as you can.

Feel free to continue this thread with the other issue noted above.

Again thanks for your views

Chris

Yes I had such a facility where I last worked (with provision for person to lie down), sadly not where I currently work.

Chris

What about a simple fold out bed chair? They are definitely cheap enough to throw away at the end of the pregnancy but it does fulfil the requirements of somewhere to lie down. I understand that space is at a premium but I am sure that a bed chair could be accommodated somewhere.

http://www.argos.co.uk/s...t/partNumber/0670227.htm

She's probably a lovely woman who doesn't want to put you to any trouble, but I am sure that if she ended up with oedema and other issues, she would appreciate that you went the extra half yard for her.

I've been pregnant twice in the workplace, once on a construction site, and the other in a construction office. Both times, I had a chat with the managers, and I confirmed if I needed to lie down at any point then I would go home, laying down to rest for half an hour doesn't really do anything for swelling legs!! (I know!). Unless you go down the route of a reclining (nursing) chair, that can be gifted to her once she goes on maternity

The first time I was on a site that was over 1.5 hours from home by tube, I chose to remain on that site and carry out my normal duties.

I took a year out both times after the birth so I didn't have to worry about special arrangements after, also remember if she doesn't choose to express it may be advisable to get her a separate fridge also!. I also returned to work on a part time basis. Both companies were more (the latter still is), more than helpful, and understanding with the childcare arrangements since.