A shocking new study has revealed that a deeply ingrained culture of unfair treatment in British workplaces is driving pregnant women and new mothers to quit their jobs.
Alarming Scale of Workplace Exodus
Research commissioned by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) found that one in seven women who have children or are expecting a baby have either left their employment or felt they had no choice but to resign. The survey, which polled 3,000 adults including 1,776 working parents or expectant parents, highlights a systemic failure to support this group.
The report, published on Thursday 15 January 2026, identifies a critical lack of flexible working options as a primary driver behind this exodus. It states that new and expectant parents are encountering unfair treatment at what it describes as an alarmingly high frequency.
A Culture of Mistreatment and Inaction
Many of the women who faced such injustices or felt pressured to leave their roles chose not to take formal action. The TUC found that the stress of pursuing a complaint, combined with a widespread lack of knowledge about where to find help, prevented them from seeking redress.
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak condemned the situation, stating: “Having a baby should be a moment of joy, but a pervasive culture of mistreatment at work is robbing too many parents of that experience. Some are even being forced out of their jobs.”
Calls for Swift Legislative Change
Nowak emphasised the urgent need for reform, pointing to upcoming legislation as a potential turning point. “Change can’t come soon enough,” he said. “The Employment Rights Act will deliver long-overdue protections for families across the country. Government must now ensure that these new rights are introduced in full as quickly as possible.”
The findings paint a stark picture of the challenges facing working families in the UK, underscoring a critical need for employers to improve support and for the government to enforce stronger maternity rights and protections without delay.
