Lifetime Impact: How a Year of Parental Leave Affects Your Finances Long-Term
Taking a year of parental leave is often viewed as a temporary financial adjustment, but the reality is that the effects can linger far beyond your child’s first birthday.
From lost earnings and pensions to reduced savings and career progression, the financial impact of taking time off to care for a child can have lasting consequences, especially for mothers. In this blog, we explore how parental leave shapes long-term financial wellbeing and what can be done to mitigate the impact.
The Immediate Income Drop
Most parents on leave receive Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) or Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) at £187.18 per week (£812 per month). Compared to the average UK take-home pay of £2,000 – £2,400/month (ONS, 2024), this means an income reduction of £1,200 – £1,600 per month for up to a year.
For many, this period is funded through savings or reduced spending. However, the opportunity cost of this lost income is rarely considered in long-term financial planning.
Pensions: The Silent Cost
One of the most overlooked consequences of parental leave is its impact on pensions. Lower income means lower pension contributions - both from the individual and their employer - for the duration of leave.
Example:
Before leave: contributing £200/month to pension
During leave: no contributions for 12 months
Over time, this can result in a £5,000 – £15,000 shortfall in the final pension pot, depending on investment growth (Pensions Policy Institute, 2022). Women, in particular, often take longer breaks and work part-time after leave, compounding this gap.
Savings and Investments
With income reduced, saving becomes difficult during parental leave. Many parents report:
Pausing pension or ISA contributions
Dipping into emergency savings
Delaying financial goals like home buying or retirement planning
Missing even a year of savings can have a knock-on effect, especially with compound interest. A missed £3,000 contribution today could have grown to £6,000 – £7,000 over 10–20 years.
Career Progression and Earnings
The impact of parental leave on career progression is significant and well-documented. According to the Trades Union Congress (TUC, 2023):
40% of mothers say taking leave affected their career
20% earn less long-term due to stalled progression
Many parents face reduced hours, fewer promotions, or role changes upon return. Over time, this can mean tens of thousands in lost earnings over a career.
The Gender Wealth Gap
Because women are more likely to take extended leave or reduce hours post-baby, the lifetime financial gap between men and women grows. This contributes to the gender pay gap, the pension gap, and reduced financial security in later life.
The Facts:
Women retire with 35% less in pensions than men (Pensions Policy Institute, 2022)
1 in 3 women over 55 has no private pension (MoneyHelper, 2023)
What Can Parents Do?
1. Plan Ahead
Build a maternity/paternity fund to cover lost income
Budget for pension contributions during leave if possible
2. Check Employer Benefits
Some employers offer enhanced parental pay or pension contributions during leave
3. Utilise State Support
Child Benefit counts as National Insurance credits, helping state pension eligibility
4. Review Career Strategy
Seek flexible working arrangements that maintain income and progression
Consider return-to-work programmes or training
Final Thoughts
Parental leave is a critical time for bonding and care, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of your long-term financial security. By understanding the hidden financial impacts and planning accordingly, parents can take steps to protect their pensions, savings, and career prospects.
Ultimately, systemic changes - from improved statutory pay to pension-friendly policies - are needed to ensure that taking time off to raise a child doesn’t result in a lifetime of financial disadvantage.
Sources:
Office for National Statistics (2024)
Gov.uk Statutory Pay Rates
Pensions Policy Institute (2022)
Trades Union Congress (TUC, 2023)
MoneyHelper UK (2023)