New Survey Reveals Younger Mums Suffer A ‘Motherhood Pay Penalty’
A new survey has revealed younger mums suffer a 15% pay penalty [Photo: Rex Features]
There are many things to consider when deciding if and when to have children, but a new survey has revealed that mums under the age of 33 will have to factor in earning less money too.
Research by the TUC has revealed that younger mothers suffer a 15% pay penalty, compared to women who don’t have children.
The study reveals that women who choose to have children before the age of 33 earn less because they are likely to be out of work for a while, or return to a part-time position.
The report, published on International Women’s Day also claims that younger mothers are also more likely to face poor treatment at work. Many told the TUC that they had been forced out of their job or made to go part-time after they took maternity leave.
TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady says the findings backed up campaigns for better support for working parents: “This research shows that millions of mothers still suffer the motherhood pay penalty.
"We need to do far more to support all working mums, starting by increasing the number of quality part-time jobs and making childcare much more affordable.
"Women in full-time, well-paid jobs shouldn’t be the only ones able to both become parents and see their careers progress.”
To address the pay gap for mothers, the TUC is calling for more free childcare from the end of maternity leave and support for more equal parenting roles. They are also advocating more better-paid jobs to be available on a flexible working basis, to stop women getting stuck in low-paid, part-time work after having children.
New research has revealed that mums returning to work are seen as less committed than dads [Photo: Rex Features]
The Fawcett Society also believes that a “motherhood penalty” still exists in UK industry, revealing that many view mums returning to the workforce as less committed than their male counterparts.
A survey of 8,000 people for the campaign group found that almost half believed women were less committed to jobs after having a baby, compared to 11% for men.
On explaining the findings, Chief executive Sam Smethers said: “It is clear that when a woman has a baby she is overwhelmingly perceived as becoming less committed to her job, while a dad is much more likely to be seen as more committed.
"This drives inequality and forces women and men into traditional male breadwinner, female carer roles."
Do you think mothers returning to the workforce after having a baby are less committed? Join the debate @YahooStyleUK
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