# Fears for UK economy as births collapse to lowest level since 1977

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/fears-for-uk-economy-as-births-collapse-to-lowest-level-since-1977/
- Published: 2026-10-30T22:13:14+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-30T22:19:13+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16253795/Fears-UK-economy-births-collapse-lowest-level-1977.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: Business, Economy, UK, World

## Key points

- First-half births hit their lowest level since 1977.
- The 2025 fertility rate was 1.39 children per woman.
- Commentators warn of future pressure on workers and pensions.

## Summary

England and Wales recorded 287,236 births in the first half of 2026, the lowest half-year total since 1977. The figures have renewed concern about the long-term effects of falling birth rates on the workforce, tax revenues and pensions.

Births were down by 2,406 from the same period in 2025 and about a fifth below the 360,256 recorded in the first half of 2012. The 2025 fertility rate fell to 1.39 children per woman, well below the 2.1 level associated with a stable population, while the average age of mothers rose to 31.1. The article cites living costs and later family commitments as possible factors, and says population growth is expected to depend on net migration.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.