Maternity pay gaps and low benefits lead to increased financial stress for new mothers.

Research by Maternity Action reveals that financial stress during maternity leave is forcing many new mothers to return to work earlier than they would prefer. A survey of 1,000 new mothers found that 60% relied on credit cards to manage during maternity leave, and a similar proportion either returned to work earlier or planned to do so due to financial pressures.

The charity also reported that only 13% of women on maternity leave benefit from occupational maternity pay schemes, a significant decrease from 44% in 2008.

Maternity Action’s director, Ros Bragg, highlighted that many women face severe financial difficulties, with some having to skip meals or rely on food parcels. This, she emphasized, negatively impacts both the health of mothers and their babies.

Bragg also noted that women in self-employment or on specific work contracts often can’t claim statutory maternity pay, exacerbating the financial challenges. She called on the government and political parties to address this “pregnancy poverty crisis” and improve maternity pay and benefits.

The charity has launched a manifesto to “End Pregnancy Poverty,” urging political leaders to commit to policy changes ahead of the next general election.