The study highlighted a "motherhood penalty," where women's careers suffer due to a lack of affordable childcare and flexible working arrangements, as well as persisting negative attitudes towards motherhood. The survey, which included 3,000 working parents, revealed that one in 10 mothers resigned, and many others passed up on career advancements because of childcare conflicts.
Despite the fact that more mothers are working than before, many find themselves in lower-paid or part-time roles that do not match their qualifications. The issue impacts the economy by reducing workforce effectiveness and contributes to the gender pay gap. The Fawcett Society is urging the government and businesses to support working mothers more effectively, including offering more flexible working options and fostering family-friendly workplace cultures.
In response, the government points to the new funding package announced in the Spring Budget, which aims to increase free childcare over the next two years, described as the biggest investment in England's childcare system, amounting to £8 billion annually. Additionally, the government has introduced a Flexible Working Bill and is gathering evidence on informal flexible working to support employees, including parents.