26 JUN 2023

The Struggles of Working Mothers: Inequality in Pay, Promotion, and Support

A recent survey conducted by recruitment firm Robert Walters sheds light on the challenges faced by working mothers in the UK. The survey reveals significant disparities in pay, promotion opportunities, and support received by working mothers compared to their male counterparts. These findings underscore the urgent need for employers to address the barriers hindering the progress of working mothers.

Promotion Stalls for Working Mothers: The survey highlights a lack of progression for working mothers, with nearly 56% reporting that they have not received a promotion despite deserving it. This figure is 14% higher than that reported by working fathers facing a similar situation. Moreover, over a quarter of working mothers are not aware of the path to promotion, a 10% increase compared to their male colleagues. Approximately 18% of working mothers express the need for more support from management to understand how to advance in their careers.

Pay Disparity: Working mothers also face significant disparities in pay. Only 24% of working mothers in white-collar roles earn £42,000 or above, while a substantial 53% of working fathers earn this amount or more. The gap widens as pay increases, with only 6% of working mothers earning £75,000 or above, compared to 21% of working fathers. This discrepancy in pay contributes to financial challenges and makes it difficult for working mothers to live comfortably.

Cost of Living Inequality: The struggle continues at home, as the survey reveals that just 10% of single mothers state they can live comfortably on their salary. Nearly a quarter of single mothers resort to additional income streams such as credit cards, payday loans, or side hustles to make ends meet. This figure is twice as high as that of single fathers and three times higher than that of cohabiting parents. The survey also indicates that fathers who live with their partners are the least impacted by the cost of living, with 35% reporting comfortable living with disposable income.

Lack of Employer Support: The survey highlights the inadequate support received by working mothers from their employers. Balancing work with personal commitments is a significant roadblock for 36% of working mothers. Furthermore, one in five single mothers reports experiencing active discrimination due to their personal circumstances, double the number reported by single fathers.

Dwindling Confidence: The overall lack of support and unequal treatment experienced by working mothers leads to a decline in their confidence. Around 27% of working mothers admit lacking the confidence to highlight their own achievements. Notably, this lack of confidence has a direct correlation with success in negotiating pay. While 19% of single working mothers report not receiving a pay rise after negotiation, only 5% of single fathers face the same situation.

Addressing the Challenges: Coral Bamgboye, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Robert Walters, emphasises the need for employers to take action. She suggests the following tips to support working mothers:

Encourage inclusive conversations about career progression and pay-rise opportunities involving senior figures.
Offer flexible working options, such as late starts or early finishes to align with school times.
Provide childcare support to give working parents more time to focus on important projects.
Conclusion: The survey's findings highlight the significant hurdles faced by working mothers in terms of pay, promotion, and employer support. It is crucial for organisations to address these issues and create an inclusive work environment that supports the advancement and well-being of working mothers. By implementing measures such as inclusive conversations, flexible working options, and childcare support, employers can help alleviate the challenges faced by working mothers and promote gender equality in the workplace.