Full Time Fathers Earn 21% More Than Men Who Don’t Have Children
Full time working fathers get paid 21% more than men who don’t have children and are working in similar roles. The report also states that working fathers with 2 children earn 9% more than working fathers with 1 child.
These findings are on the opposite spectrum to what working mothers experience. Women who have children before the age of 33 generally suffer a 15% pay decrease.
Reports say this wage difference may be down to fathers working longer hours and increased effort at work in comparison to men without children. Labour market results show that men that have children tend to work slightly longer hours on average than those without. However, working mothers in full time jobs tend to work shorter hours than women without children.
The report from TUC also highlights that international studies that applications from fathers were favoured more than identical ones from non-fathers, implying that employers view fathers as more reliable and responsible employees. Working mothers applications are marked lower than women who do not have children.
A recent poll carried out by Fawcett Society implies that public opinion in the UK reflects this bias. Men who become fathers are seen to be more committed to their role. However women are seen to be less committed.
TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “In stark contrast to the experience of working mums who often see their earnings fall after having children, fatherhood has a positive impact on men’s earnings.
“It says much about current attitudes that men with children are seen as more committed by employers, while mothers are still often treated as liabilities.
“While men play a much more active role in raising their children nowadays, many are afraid to request flexible working or time off in case it damages their career prospects.
“We won’t break this cycle unless fathers are given access to independent paid leave to look after their kids, that isn’t shared with their partners. And we need more decently-paid jobs to be available on a reduced hours or flexible work basis. This would reduce the motherhood pay penalty and enable more dads to take work that fits with their parenting responsibilities.
“Our advice to all new parents and parents-to-be is to join a union – it’s one of the best ways for parents to get a better deal at work.”
Source: ri5.co.uk
