Woman’s struggle to have a family while maintaining her hard-won position on the career ladder is well documented, but new research reveals becoming a father can actually increase rather than reduce your salary.Â
In fact, research by the think tank IPPR and TUC reveals that working dads can expect to earn up to 21 per cent more than childless men.
And it’s all thanks to positive discrimination.
The study of 17,000 men uncovered a phenomenon they’ve termed ‘wage bonus’, which may occur because men with children are stereotypically seen as being more reliable and may put in extra hours and effort if they become the main breadwinner after their partner gives birth.
The situation is sharply at odds the ‘wage penalty’Â full-time working mothers can look forward to – working mums earn eleven per cent less than childless women.
“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!” said TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady.
“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.”
Did your other half feel the financial boost of fatherhood? Let us know your thoughts on Twitter @HerFamilydotie.Â
