Top 20 UK Retention & Talent Statistics

‍ ‍43% of UK mothers took just 12 weeks or less maternity leave following the birth of their most recent child in 2024, with many forced back early citing financial pressure. Within three years of having a child, 85% of women had left full-time work, illustrating post-maternity mental load.

‍ Source: Pregnant Then Screwed/Women in Data Survey, October 2024; Working Families Research, 2023

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While 98% of women want to return to their careers after maternity, only 13% feel able to continue full-time. And of those who tried to return to full-time roles, 79% ended up leaving their job because they couldn't make it work. Flexible support is lacking.

Source: Careers After Babies Report, 2023; Workplace Insight Analysis, 2023

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‍Retention is especially poor at leadership levels. 71% of women in senior roles cut their maternity leave to under 6 months hoping to keep career momentum, yet 57% still left their employer within two years of returning. The pipeline to top roles is leaking at this critical stage.

Source: Careers After Babies Report, 2023; PwC Women in Work Index, 2023

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‍Only 24% of new mothers return to their previous working hours; the rest either downgrade or drop out. In one survey, 57% left the workforce entirely (often citing mental health struggles and impossible work-family load). Many who stay can only manage by going part-time, which often stalls their progression (contributing to the long-term gender pay gap).

Source: Fawcett Society/TUC Report, 2022-2024; Government Employment Pathways Research, 2019

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