UCU calls on employers to consider the unequal impact of Covid-19 and those who are at increased risk of contracting covid-19 and suffering poorer outcomes (i.e. underlying health conditions, older age, pregnancy, BAME groups, and men) ^[1]. Members who are or might be pregnant are advised to review the guidelines of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists ^[2] and a recent systematic review ^[3]. Current evidence ^[2,3] suggests an increase in preterm birth rates to ~20%. (Prevalence of preterm birth is ~ 5-6% in Wales). The additional risks of even late preterm birth (34-36 weeks) are important ^[4].

1.       https://www.ucu.org.uk/media/10960/HE-workplace-return-negotiating-guidance/pdf/ucu_covid-19_he-return-branch-advice2.pdf?utm_source=Lyris&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=reps&utm_term=broff-he&utm_content=UCU+branch+update:+e-ballot+on+UCEA+offer+and+health+and+safety+briefing

2.       https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/covid-19-virus-infection-and-pregnancy/

3.      Khalil A et al SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy. EClinical Medicine 2020 July   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100446

4.      Platt MJ. Outcomes in preterm infants. Public Health. 2014 May;128[5]:399-403. doi: 10.1016/j.puhe.2014.03.010. Epub 2014 May 1. Review. PubMed PMID: 24794180.