Fertility Family have published their Beyond the Birth Rate report revealing that workplace policies, financial support, and flexibility are all key factors in family planning, with many employees feeling their current workplace and government support systems are falling short.
Findings from the report show that the UK birth rate has declined by over a quarter (26.9 per cent) over the last 15 years and the research highlights the growing link between employment conditions and people’s ability to start or expand their families.
The shift toward remote and hybrid work has had a major impact on those considering parenthood. The study found that over half (55.6 per cent) of respondents say flexible or home working options have made it easier for them to plan for a family.
However, access to these benefits is far from universal. Nearly 1 in 3 (28.7 per cent) feel their employer does not provide adequate flexible working options to support family life, creating a significant barrier for those balancing careers with future family plans. As work-life balance continues to be a priority for employees, businesses that fail to adapt risk losing talent to more family-friendly employers.
Financial security is an important consideration for prospective parents, and current parental leave policies appear to be falling short. A staggering 93.2 per cent of people planning to start a family say that enhanced maternity pay (beyond statutory levels) is important, with 40.6 per cent calling it ‘extremely important’.
The dissatisfaction extends beyond maternity pay, with 85.4 per cent of respondents believing that statutory paternity pay is inadequate, and 87.6 per cent saying the same for maternity pay. With financial concerns already delaying parenthood for many, improved employer-led support could play a major role in shaping future family trends.
While workplaces have an important role to play, the study also highlights a demand for stronger government policies to support those considering parenthood.
When asked which areas the UK government should focus on to encourage family growth:
- 7 per cent of respondents cited affordable childcare as the top priority
- 9 per cent called for improved maternity and paternity leave
- 19 per cent highlighted the need for housing subsidies for families
The high cost of childcare in the UK is a well-documented issue, and these findings reinforce that for many, the financial burden of raising a child remains a significant obstacle.
With nearly two-thirds of people calling for better maternity and paternity leave, and flexible working proving to be a major factor in family planning, the message seems to be that if workplaces want to support the next generation of working parents, they need to take action now.
