Fri, 03 Oct 2025

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 True cost of becoming a mum highlighted in new data on pay

New figures reveal mums in England see their earnings drop after having a first, second and third child.

* Mums in England face a "substantial and long-lasting reduction" in earnings after having children, with an average drop of £1,051 a month five years after having their first child.
* The motherhood penalty affects mums' earnings for eight years, with the biggest losses occurring in the first year after giving birth.
* Mums earn £313 a month less on average five years after the birth of their second child, and £689 a month less five years after their third child.
* The motherhood penalty is "completely abhorrent" according to Rachel Grocott, chief executive of Pregnant Then Screwed, and is not just unfair but also avoidable.
* A number of factors contribute to the motherhood penalty, including bias, outdated legislation, and cultural norms.
* Women working full-time still earn 7% less than men in the UK, with the vast majority of the gender pay gap linked to the motherhood penalty.
* Research from Pregnant Then Screwed and Women in Data found that up to 74,000 new or expectant mums lose their jobs each year due to pregnancy and maternity discrimination.
* Many parents struggle to balance work and family responsibilities, with some feeling forced to take extended parental leave or reduce their hours at work.
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