STUC Response to Scottish Executive Infant Feeding Strategy for Scotland: A Consultation Paper
- Introduction
1.1 The STUC is Scotland’s Trade Union Centre. Its purpose is to co-ordinate, develop and articulate the views and policies of the Trade Union Movement in Scotland and, through the creation of real social partnership, to promote trade unionism, equality and social justice, the creation and maintenance of high quality jobs and the public sector delivery of services.
1.2 The STUC represents around 630,000 working people and their families throughout Scotland. It speaks for trade union members in and out of work, in the community and in the workplace. Our affiliated organisations have interests in all sectors of the economy. Our representative structures are constructed to take account of the specific views of women members, young members, black/minority ethnic members, LGBT members, and members with a disability, as well as retired and unemployed workers.
1.3 The STUC contributed to both Elaine Smith MSP’s consultation process for the draft Bill in September 2002 and the Scottish Parliament Health Committee Call for Evidence on the Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Bill.
- General Comments on the Strategy
2.1 The STUC generally welcomes the Infant Feeding Strategy for Scotland. We recognise the significant health benefits for both mothers and children who breastfeed. We believe that it is right that we should promote a culture that is supportive of breastfeeding, and encourages women to breastfeed their babies for as long as possible and/or appropriate. The STUC believes that it is important to encourage breastfeeding as part of a broader scheme to tackle poverty, bad diet and social exclusion.
2.2 We welcome the recommendation that Scottish Executive and the National Infant Feeding Advisory Group work with Learning Teaching Scotland and others to develop multi-sectoral training packages for all early years staff concerning infant feeding. Similarly, the recommendation to work with the Scottish Qualifications Authority to consider how issues such as breastfeeding and infant feeding are incorporated into the national curricula is also welcomed. It is important that the Scottish Executive, Learning and Teaching Scotland and SQA liaise with recognised trade unions representing staff in the health and education sectors on the strategy, to ensure that all employees are fully engaged in this work.
2.3 The STUC also welcomes the recommendation that work be carried out with NHS Education for Scotland to ensure core curricula for health professionals that include infant feeding, particularly frontline health staff, GPs and pharmacists.
2.4 We further welcome the recommendation that work commence with local authorities to consider options to support breastfeeding in public, with particular reference to licensing and planning of public spaces.
2.5 The STUC is, however, disappointed to note that there is no reference in the Strategy to either employers or trade unions. We believe that the Strategy needs to consider employers and how to make them more aware of the need to provide breastfeeding facilities for women staff or flexible working patterns to allow women to breastfeed. Trade unions are a key stakeholder in this.
2.6 Our affiliates negotiate and campaign for improved workplace rights for mothers and families. This includes flexible working, extended maternity leave, parental leave rights, childcare facilities and time off for emergencies. Under health and safety legislation, employers are required to provide pregnant and breastfeeding women with a place to rest. The Health and Safety Executive also recommends that employers provide women who are breastfeeding with suitable rest periods, access to a private room to express milk, and somewhere to store milk.
- Conclusion
3.1 The STUC generally welcomes the Infant Feeding Strategy for Scotland. We particularly welcome the recommendations to work in schools, health boards and local authorities. We are however, disappointed by the lack of reference in the Strategy to the role of employers. It is vital that the Strategy looks at how to make employers more aware of the need to provide breastfeeding facilities for women staff or flexible working patterns to allow women to breastfeed, and in doing so, trade unions are a key stakeholder in this.
STUC
June 2006