Make statutory maternity pay 90% of wage for first 12 weeks & minimum wage after

We believe mothers should never be forced back to work because maternity leave is unaffordable. UK SMP is among Europe’s least generous, falling to around 41% of minimum wage after 6 weeks. The Government should fix this and give mothers 12 weeks of Statutory Maternity Pay at 90% of their salary.

It is estimated that between 2023-26, SMP rose by just 12.7%, whilst the National Living Wage rose by 22%. We are concerned the gap is widening. It was estimated that the proportion of mothers returning earlier to work for financial reasons rose from 42% in 2022 to 58% in 2023.

Public research links maternity leave under 12 weeks to greater depression, poorer maternal wellbeing & lower sensitivity to a baby’s needs. Low SMP can hit low-income families hardest, forcing mothers back before they’re ready. We feel Statutory Maternity Leave for 12 weeks at 90% of salary, and the National Minimum Wage for the remainder, are the absolute minimum families deserve.

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring new parents have the time and support they need when welcoming a new child into their family. It understands that many families face financial pressures during the first year of a child’s life, and that the level of maternity pay is an important issue for many working parents.

Maternity pay is intended to provide a measure of financial support while a mother takes time away from work to recover from childbirth and care for her child. It supports her during this time whilst maintaining her attachment to the labour market so that she can return to work when appropriate. Maternity pay is not intended to replace earnings in full.

Eligible women may receive either Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) or Maternity Allowance (MA). SMP is paid by employers, while MA is paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to eligible women, including self-employed women and some employed women who do not qualify for SMP. Entitlement to both payments is based on a woman’s recent employment and earnings.

Both SMP and MA are paid for up to a maximum of 39 weeks. For SMP, the first six weeks are paid at a weekly rate equal to 90 per cent of the woman's average weekly earnings, with no upper limit, followed by up to 33 weeks at the lower of either the standard rate or 90 per cent of the woman's average weekly earnings. MA is paid at either the standard rate or 90 per cent of the woman’s average weekly earnings, whichever is the lower, for a maximum of 39 weeks.