Research carried out by the Trades Union Congress, TUC, has revealed that working men with children are paid more than childless men in similar jobs.
The report shows that fathers who are in full-time employment receive a ‘wage bonus’ of 21% and fathers with two kids earn 9% more than those with just one child.
The report suggests that the reasons may be because fathers work longer hours and put in more effort.
It suggest that those who have children feel a sense of responsibility and work harder as a result.
This is compared to the experience of working mums who have children before the age of 33 who, according to the report, suffer a 15% pay penalty.
TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:
“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.
“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.
“While men play a much more active role in raising their children nowadays, many are afraid to request flexible working or time off in case it damages their career prospects.
