Overview
- Rachael Bews, a Scotland‑based CEO, was travelling to Amazon’s Innovation Accelerator at the Dunfermline fulfilment centre on Tuesday when she was told her need to breastfeed could not be accommodated and she could not attend the first day.
- Amazon said children under six are not allowed on any fulfilment centres for health and safety reasons while noting it provides paid lactation breaks, flexible scheduling and private lactation rooms for staff.
- The company apologised for failing to communicate the site access policy in advance, offered to reimburse Ms Bews’s travel costs and invited her to take part in a future programme near Manchester.
- Ms Bews had planned for her husband to care for their five‑month‑old nearby, had spent about £80 on train tickets, and said the late phone call left her upset and unable to take part as planned.
- The episode has prompted public support and a wider discussion about how industrial site rules and event formats can block breastfeeding parents from career development and may push organisations to offer off‑site or more flexible options.