Study Finds One in Five Workers Delay Having Children Over Parental Leave Concerns

Research commissioned by VodafoneThree surveyed 2,000 workers and found that one in five are putting off having children due to doubts about parental-leave entitlements. While 67% said benefits influence family-planning timing and 78% would start sooner with better policies, broader economic pressures such as the cost of living (47%) and childcare costs (40%) also play a role. The study noted that 68% believe appropriate employer support would let them advance their careers while parenting.

VodafoneThree promotes up to 39 weeks paid leave for birthing or adoptive parents and 16 weeks for non-birthing parents, plus flexible work options. Nonetheless, 28% of respondents are considering job changes for improved family benefits, and younger generations—especially Gen Z (49%) and Millennials (31%)—are most likely to delay parenthood over these concerns.