The Motherhood Penalty

The Motherhood Penalty: What’s Really Going On?

The motherhood penalty is the term used to describe the disadvantages many mothers face in the workplace after they have children. It's not just about pay gaps, mothers face job loss, discrimination, and the constant struggle for flexible work hours. Unfortunately, these barriers often push mums out of the workplace, or at the very least, hold them back from advancing in their careers.

Key Stats and Facts

Let’s take a closer look at some of the hard hitting facts about the motherhood penalty and the struggles many mothers face:

Mums Losing Their Jobs

Around 74,000 mums each year lose their jobs during pregnancy or soon after returning from maternity leave due to pregnancy or maternity discrimination. Despite this being illegal, many women still feel that they have no recourse when it happens.

Denied Flexible Working

Despite the legal right to request flexible working, 40% of mums say their requests are turned down. Flexible working isn’t just a nice-to-have for many, it’s essential for mothers trying to balance family and work. Denying these requests makes it harder for mums to stay in the workplace or progress in their careers.

Fear of Asking for Flexibility

A staggering 1 in 4 mums worry that requesting flexible working hours will make them appear less committed to their job. This fear of being judged or passed over for promotions often prevents many mothers from even asking for what they need, even though it's their legal right.

The Pay Gap

The gender pay gap is already a well-documented issue, but it widens even further for mothers. Studies show that women with children can earn 9-16% less than their childless peers. This gap grows even more after maternity leave and can persist long-term. The motherhood penalty in pay can often have lifelong financial implications.

Career Progression

Mothers often find themselves passed over for promotions compared to both their childless colleagues and fathers. Research from the Institute of Leadership & Management (2024) found that mothers are 27% less likely to be promoted than fathers, even when they perform equally well at work. Meanwhile, childless women are more likely to be promoted than mothers, even when there is no difference in their job performance or qualifications.

Being Pushed Out

After returning from maternity leave, many mothers report feeling left behind. 52% of working mums are dissatisfied with the support they receive from employers when returning to work. Mums feel overlooked for promotions, excluded from key projects, and unsupported by their colleagues, which can leave them feeling demoralised and disengaged.

How Can Employers Make a Change?

The good news is that change is possible, and it doesn’t have to be difficult. Employers can take key steps to create a workplace culture that truly supports working mums and fosters inclusivity for all employees. It’s about creating a fair, flexible, and supportive environment that helps everyone thrive, regardless of their parental status. Here’s how employers can get started:

1. Support a Smooth Return to Work

2. Close the Pay and Promotion Gaps

3. Train Managers on Inclusivity

4. Have Clear Anti-Discrimination Policies

5. Encourage Feedback

6. Show Your Family-Friendly Values

7. Join the MumStamped Register

8. Celebrate Supportive Employees

The Motherhood Penalty

Working Together to Make a Difference

At MumStamped, we want to create workplaces where mums feel supported and confident in requesting flexible hours. It's about giving mums the freedom to ask for what they need without worrying it will affect their career. It’s time to break the silence and create a space where they know their needs will be met.
When mums are supported, studies show they’re more engaged, productive, and committed to their work. In fact, research has found that companies with supportive policies for working parents see improved employee retention, higher productivity, and a more positive company culture. It’s a win for the company all around!

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Take one of our surveys today and help us gather valuable insights that will drive meaningful changes in workplaces across the country. Together, let’s make sure every employee has the opportunity to thrive.

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