The motherhood penalty! Lack of financial support, childcare costs and the housing crisis are driving women to have fewer children, research suggests By Alex Ward, Social Affairs Correspondent Published: 23:32 BST, 7 August 2024 | Updated: 23:32 BST, 7 August 2024 e-mail View comments Women are put off having children because of a 'motherhood penalty' at work, according to a study. While figures show just 1.49 children were born per woman in 2022, research has suggested that on average women would like two or three.
The study, carried out by think-tank Onward, found factors such as lack of financial support for new mothers and high childcare costs meant families were unable to afford more children. Onward called on the Government to double the length of time that new mothers receive a higher rate of statutory maternity pay, as well as more access for fathers to paternity leave. It said evidence showed that becoming a mother was associated with earning less each month and saving less in later life, The Times reported.
While data shows women between 18 and 21 earn 0.2 per cent more than their male peers, by the ages of 40 to 49 they earn 10 per cent less. Women have average pension savings of £69,000 by the age of 67 compared with £205,000 for men.
Women are having less children because of a 'motherhood penalty' at work, as well as lack of financial support and childcare costs (file photo) Your browser does not support iframes. Onward called on the Government to copy countrie.