The same TUC analysis also revealed a 15% gender pay gap that widens “dramatically” after women have children. This “motherhood penalty”, combined with economic pressures and the increased cost of childcare, has led to women being pushed out of the workforce after having children.

“We need to embrace flexibility and different models so women can thrive,” Caroline Nokes, a Conservative MP and chair of the House of Commons’ women and equalities committee told The Guardian. “It might be uncomfortable reading for male ministers but the reality is the cost of childcare issues, and issues like the menopause are disincentivising women from taking additional hours, promotions and in some cases staying in work altogether.”

Gender pay gap: women “work for free for nearly 2 months” a year, according to new data