Jessica O'ConnorMothers in England lose an average of more than £120,000 in earnings within a decade of having children, data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed.
According to the ONS, women experience an estimated £65,618 loss in earnings over the five years after their first child, with further reductions of £26,317 after a second and £32,456 following a third.
The findings revealed a combined loss of £124,391 in just over 10 years, with clear evidence that men’s earnings trajectories remain largely unaffected by fatherhood.
Ben Wright, head of global partnerships at Instant Offices, said the figures should prompt employers to examine how workplace structures contribute to unequal outcomes.
He said: “The ONS figures bring statistical clarity to what many women have already experienced personally – a significant setback in earnings and career progression after motherhood.
“The fact that women are losing the equivalent of several years’ salary after having children should be a wake-up call for employers. If we continue to lose skilled women at this stage in their careers, businesses and the wider economy suffer too.”
The report suggested that the earnings gap is driven by systemic factors such as inflexible working arrangements, insufficient parental leave, and the high cost of childcare, which force many women to reduce hours or step away from the workforce.
Wright said these barriers create an economic as well as a social issue, warning that employers risk losing valuable talent, experience and diversity of perspective.
The findings highlight the need for stronger workplace support to retain working parents.
Experts argued that measures such as more flexible roles, equal parental leave, structured return-to-work programmes and greater pay transparency would help prevent long-term pay stagnation among women.
Wright said that workplaces with strong inclusion and wellbeing policies tend to see higher retention and engagement rates, adding: “Supporting mothers isn’t a ‘perk’ — it’s a business necessity in a competitive labour market.”
Analysts have warned that if the motherhood penalty continues unchecked, UK employers could face widening skills shortages and reduced female representation in leadership roles.
Wright said: “Employers who take tangible steps to support working mothers will not only close pay gaps but build stronger, more resilient organisations where every employee can thrive.”
