Just weeks after the former Women and Equalities Minister, Kemi Badenoch, claimed that maternity pay in the UK is “extreme,” new research from Pregnant Then Screwed and Women in Data® reveals a different reality. According to the study, 4 in 10 mothers take only 12 weeks or less of maternity leave after the birth of their child due to low maternity pay.
This situation highlights the growing struggle many UK parents face, and it’s raising concerns about the country’s declining birth rate.
The Reality of Maternity Pay in the UK
According to Citizen’s Advice, statutory maternity pay in the UK can last for up to 39 weeks. However, the pay structure is far from generous. For the first 6 weeks, mothers receive 90% of their average weekly earnings (before tax), followed by 33 weeks where they receive either £184.03 per week or 90% of their average earnings, whichever amount is lower. This works out to be around 43% of the national living wage, a figure far below what many families need to get by.
Badenoch’s comment that maternity pay is “extreme” does not align with the experience of most UK parents. Many find themselves struggling to make ends meet during their leave, especially when pay drops after the first 6 weeks. This financial pressure forces many mothers to return to work earlier than they would prefer, despite the health benefits of a longer leave for both the mother and the child.
The UK’s Declining Fertility Rate
One of the most significant outcomes of this inadequate support is the UK’s rapidly falling fertility rate. In fact, the UK’s birth rate is declining faster than any other G7 nation. Austerity measures and financial instability are seen as key contributors to this trend.
For many prospective parents, the decision to start a family is overshadowed by the fear of not being able to afford the costs associated with raising a child. With high living costs, stagnant wages, and insufficient maternity support, more people are opting to delay having children or deciding not to have them at all.
As one person on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) pointed out, “Most adults now have to live with parents through their 20s, sometimes even into their 30s. Millennials are the first generation to be poorer than the last in over 200 years, and have faced austerity, recession, and a pandemic. Why would they want to have kids?”
This sentiment is echoed by many young adults who feel financially unprepared for parenthood. The rising cost of living, combined with job insecurity and low wages, makes it difficult for many to see a path forward where they can comfortably support a family.
Why More Maternity Support is Essential
Pregnant Then Screwed is pushing for the government to increase statutory maternity pay and maternity allowance to match the national living wage. This amount is widely recognized as the minimum income required for basic survival. The charity argues that longer maternity leave, supported by adequate pay, has significant benefits for both mother and child. These include lower rates of maternal physical and mental health issues, reduced infant mortality, and increased rates of breastfeeding.
Joeli Brearley, CEO and Founder of Pregnant Then Screwed, emphasized the importance of proper support during the perinatal period (the time before and after childbirth), which she describes as “critically important” for the health and well-being of both mother and baby.
Brearley stated, “The perinatal period is critically important to the health and well-being of a mother and her child. It’s concerning that, due to financial hardship, we’re now seeing a decline in the quality of this vital time. Ultimately, it’s a false economy not to provide parental leave at a rate families can live on.”
She went on to call for policies that prioritize the needs of parents, especially in the early months after childbirth. “We need a government that listens to parents and creates policies that help them survive and thrive, particularly during those early days. Right now, we are falling far behind our European counterparts, and this isn’t just affecting this generation—it will impact the next.”
The Benefits of Longer Maternity Leave
Numerous studies support the claim that longer maternity leave, coupled with proper financial support, has a wide range of benefits. For the mother, a longer leave can lead to better physical and mental recovery after childbirth. It also allows more time for bonding with the baby, which can have a positive impact on the child’s development.
In terms of infant health, extended leave has been linked to lower rates of infant mortality. Additionally, mothers who take longer leave are more likely to breastfeed, which offers significant health benefits for the baby.
Despite these clear advantages, many UK parents feel they are not financially able to take the full amount of leave available to them. This has led to calls for reform, with advocacy groups like Pregnant Then Screwed urging the government to step in and provide more meaningful support.
How the UK Compares to Other Countries
When comparing maternity leave policies across Europe, the UK lags behind many other nations. Countries like Sweden, Norway, and Germany offer much more generous leave packages, both in terms of length and financial compensation.
In Sweden, for example, parents are entitled to 480 days of paid parental leave, with 390 days paid at 80% of their salary. In Germany, parents can take up to 14 months of parental leave, with a minimum of 65% of their income covered.
These policies are designed to allow parents to spend more time with their newborns without the added pressure of financial strain. By contrast, the UK’s system often forces parents to return to work much earlier, sacrificing valuable time with their children to maintain financial stability.
The Path Forward
The current state of maternity leave in the UK is unsustainable for many families. With birth rates continuing to fall, the government faces growing pressure to address the underlying issues that are discouraging people from starting or expanding their families.
Increasing maternity pay to match the national living wage would be a crucial first step. It would allow more parents to take the time they need to recover from childbirth and bond with their babies without the added stress of financial hardship.
Ultimately, improving maternity leave policies is not just about supporting parents—it’s about investing in the next generation. By providing adequate support during the critical early months of a child’s life, the UK can ensure better health outcomes for both mothers and children, while also encouraging more people to feel confident about starting a family.