Barnsley Council receive Breastfeeding Friendly Employer certificate

This week, Barnsley Council have received a certificate to celebrate its commitment to supporting employees returning to work after maternity leave by fostering a breastfeeding-friendly environment and promoting work-life balance. 

The Breastfeeding Friendly Employer Scheme, led by our children's Public Health team, encourages and supports businesses to ensure that their staff feel fully supported to continue their breastfeeding experience, whilst preparing to return to work following maternity leave. 

The scheme offers a wealth of benefits for staff and organisations, including: 

• reduced staff turnover and retention of workers 

• increased job satisfaction, morale and staff loyalty 

• enhanced corporate image, through the demonstration of compassion and investment in staff health and wellbeing 

Barnsley Council is the first employer to achieve the Public Health certificate thanks to the actions and initiatives that have been implemented to engage, recognise and embrace the value of breastfeeding employees. These initiatives include: 

• developing a maternity policy that encourages managers to engage with employees as part of their return to work from maternity leave 

• the introduction of a private breastfeeding room, providing a warm and inviting space for breastfeeding parents who are returning to work, equipped with a fridge for expressed milk 

• a flexible approach to working hours.  

An online survey of Barnsley parents, undertaken by the children’s Public Health team in October 2024 found that: 

• 84% of respondents said that returning to work meant that they had stopped breastfeeding sooner than planned. 

• 16% worried about the impact of returning to work on breastfeeding. 

• 59% found it difficult to talk to their employer about feeding plans and returning to work. 

Councillor Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said: “After our survey, we listened to our communities. The whole process of creating this initiative took time and input from a range of services. We’re proud to receive the recognition for our support for our employees. If your organisation would like to join the scheme, this excellent initiative is now open to all business across Barnsley!”  

Cllr Robert Frost, Cabinet Spokesperson for Core Services, said: “As an employer, we recognise the value of creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all employees. By fostering a breastfeeding-friendly environment, we not only promote the well-being of our staff but also contribute to the public health of future generations, as breastfeeding provides the best possible start in life. These initiatives reflect our commitment to investing in the health and happiness of our workforce, which ultimately strengthens our organisation.” 

If your business is interested in supporting staff members to return to the workplace, whilst breastfeeding or expressing, learn more about the scheme at Infant feeding. The scheme aims to provide employers with information relating to breastfeeding in the workplace, including the development of a breastfeeding room and policies.