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Pregnant workers at a cement plant in Nottinghamshire will be among the first in the country to get maternity hi-vis jackets and protective wear.

Tarmac is one of the first construction companies in the country to provide expectant mums with the specialist clothing, known as PPE, when required.

And it's been welcomed by Louise Pattison, who works at the Barnstone plant, near Bingham.

She said: "It was usual for expectant mothers needing PPE for their work to wear oversized male protective clothing and make alterations.

"I’m delighted to be one of the first people at Tarmac to have the opportunity to wear PPE that is specially made for pregnant women."

Tarmac’s senior vice president, Martin Riley, said: “We’re proud to be leading the way in introducing high visibility maternity PPE for expectant mothers.

"This pioneering initiative supports our aim of creating a more inclusive workforce and to work in an environment where all of our employees can be safe and remain healthy.”

The clothing meets international health and safety standards and is manufactured by Leo Workwear, the sole supplier of specialist maternity high visibility protective clothing.

In a 2017 report, Trades Union Congress (TUC) found when women become pregnant, half of the respondents interviewed had been forced to cut back on their normal duties or had to change their role due to suitable maternity protective clothing not being available to them.