Employers urged to take action in supporting, retaining mothers in workplaces
Women in the United Kingdom are losing over £120,000 after having children, according to government data, prompting renewed calls for employers to better support mothers in the workplace.
Findings from the UK's Office for National Statistics revealed that an average mother loses an estimated £65,618 in earnings over five years after having her first child.
This figure rises by another £26,317 for the second child, and then another £32,456 for the third child.
The ONS attributed the reduction in earnings to a reduction in employment, with the probability of paid employment significantly reduced for five years after the birth of the first child.
"The probability of paid employment was also significantly reduced after a second and third child for five years," the ONS added.
An 'economic' issue as well
But the impact of motherhood is not limited to women's earnings, according to Ben Wright, Head of Global Partnerships at Instant Offices.
"This is not just an equality issue, but an economic one. When women step away from the workforce or reduce their hours due to inflexible roles, insufficient maternity leave, or a lack of support, employers lose valuable talent, institutional knowledge, and diversity of perspective," Wright said in a statement.
One way to support mothers in workplaces is by enhancing flexible working and encouraging both parents to take their leave benefits, according to Instant Offices.
There should also be initiatives that support women back into mid- and senior-level roles after career breaks to prevent long-term pay stagnation.
It added that there should be visibility in pay bands and structured promotion pathways, while leaders should be equipped to manage employees through life transitions empathetically and strategically.
"The fact that women are losing the equivalent of several years' salary after having children should be a wake-up call for employers," Wright said.
"If we continue to lose skilled women at this stage in their careers, businesses and the wider economy suffer too."
