A new study has revealed growing dissatisfaction with workplace policies and financial support for parents, with many employees feeling let down by both their employers and government schemes.
The Beyond the Birth Rate report by Fertility Family highlights the impact of employment conditions on family planning, as the UK birth rate has fallen by 26.9% over the past 15 years. The research suggests that financial insecurity, rigid working structures, and inadequate parental leave are discouraging many from starting or expanding their families.
While the rise of remote and hybrid work has made parenthood more feasible for some, access to flexibility remains a challenge. More than half of respondents said home or flexible working options have helped them plan for a family. However, nearly one in three believe their employer does not provide enough flexibility to support family life. With work-life balance an increasing priority, businesses failing to adapt could risk losing talent to organisations with stronger parental policies.
Parental pay policies have also come under scrutiny, with significant dissatisfaction over statutory maternity and paternity pay. The report found that a vast majority of prospective parents believe enhanced maternity pay beyond statutory levels is important, with more than 40% calling it ‘extremely important.’ Meanwhile, 87% of those surveyed said statutory maternity pay is inadequate, while 85% shared the same view about paternity pay. With financial concerns already causing many to delay parenthood, the study suggests that better employer-led support could play a key role in shaping future family trends.
The report also highlights demand for stronger government policies to encourage family growth. More than three-quarters of respondents identified affordable childcare as the most pressing issue, while nearly two-thirds called for improvements to maternity and paternity leave. Housing subsidies for families were also cited as a potential area of reform, though to a lesser extent.
The findings reinforce longstanding concerns about the cost of childcare and the financial challenges associated with parenthood. As employees continue to prioritise family-friendly workplaces, businesses that fail to provide adequate support could find themselves at a competitive disadvantage in attracting and retaining talent.
