Has Increased Maternity Pay By Statute?

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced new rates for statutory maternity pay, statutory sick pay, and other benefits starting from April 2023. Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) will increase from £156.66 per week to £172.48 per week in 2023/24, while statutory sick pay will rise to £109.40 per week. From 7 April 2024, statutory maternity pay, adoption pay, shared parental pay, and parental bereavement pay will increase to £184.03 per week.

Unison and Maternity Action argue that the government must increase statutory maternity pay to £364.70 a week to prevent new mothers from being forced back to work too early. Employers should be aware of these changes and ensure that they recalculate their average weekly earnings (AWE) to account for pay rises awarded during maternity leave.

Status Maternity Pay (SMP) is payable to employees employed for a period of 26 weeks and is payable for up to 39 weeks. The government has no plans to increase Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), as the standard rate of SMP is reviewed annually and generally increases in line with CPI. If the rate increases while receiving statutory maternity pay, recipients will see the change in their payments from Monday 8 April.

In summary, the government has announced new rates for various statutory benefit payments, including statutory maternity pay, statutory sick pay, and maternity allowance. Employers should be aware of these changes and ensure that they are not forced back to work too early.


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How much is statutory maternity pay in the UK in 2024?

The first six weeks of a SMP are at 90% of your average gross weekly earnings, with no upper limit. The remaining 33 weeks are at either the standard rate of £184. 03 or 90% of your average gross weekly earnings. Your employer will calculate the SMP rate. To qualify, your average weekly earnings must be at least equal to the lower earnings limit (LEL), which is £123 in 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 tax years.

What do you get free when pregnant?

It is the right of all citizens to receive free prescriptions and dental care from the National Health Service (NHS) during pregnancy and for a period of 12 months following the birth of a child. Additionally, the child is eligible to receive complimentary prescriptions and dental care until reaching the age of 16. For further assistance, please refer to the NHS website or contact your local health department. Furthermore, the coverage extends to check-ups and treatment for both parents and children.

How much money do you get from the government for having a baby in the UK?

A Sure Start Maternity Grant provides a one-time payment of £500 to offset the expenses associated with childbirth. It should be noted that this grant is not available to those residing in Scotland. The grant is available to individuals who are expecting their first child, those expecting multiple births, individuals who have children already, and individuals who are receiving certain benefits from themselves or their partner.

Can I take 2 years maternity leave UK?

All employees are entitled to a year of maternity leave, irrespective of their employer’s tenure, remuneration, or working hours. It should be noted that maternity leave is distinct from maternity pay, which is subject to a different set of regulations. It is possible to ascertain one’s entitlement to maternity leave and to disseminate this information to one’s partner. It is only possible for employees to take maternity leave.

What is the maximum maternity pay in the UK?

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is a form of compensated leave for eligible employees, typically extending for up to 39 weeks. The amount of pay is based on the employee’s average weekly earnings before tax. The initial six-week period is compensated at a rate of 90% of the applicable average weekly earnings (AWE), while the subsequent 33 weeks are remunerated at a rate of £184. The amount is calculated as 03 or 90 of their AWE.

Can you earn money while on maternity leave?

Legally, you can earn income through self-employment while receiving Statutory Maternity Pay from an employer, but you must check if your workplace employment contract permits this. Sophie Baldwin, a 32-year-old freelance social media manager and digital marketing consultant, continued to work while on maternity leave, feeding her newborn, changing nappies, and entertaining a crying baby on calls.

What is the additional maternity leave?

In the event that an employee takes more than 26 weeks of additional maternity leave, they are entitled to return to their position with the same terms and conditions that were in place prior to their leave. In the event of substantial alterations, an alternative position may be offered with comparable remuneration, benefits, vacation allowance, tenure, and geographical location. This leave is considered to be additional maternity leave in accordance with the relevant legislation.

What is the alabaster ruling for SMP?

The Alabaster ruling is a legal requirement that employers must be aware of when employees are on maternity leave and receive a pay increase between the start of the eight-week relevant period for calculating statutory maternity pay (SMP) and the end of the woman’s statutory maternity leave. The CIPP’s advisory service receives regular questions about this ruling and what pay needs to be considered. Employers must recalculate the employee’s SMP, considering the pay increase, and pay the difference.

How much statutory maternity pay?

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is paid for 39 weeks, with 90 of your average pay during the first six weeks. This is based on earnings from the eight weeks or two months before the qualifying week. The UK’s national charity for working parents and carers may offer enhanced maternity pay to eligible individuals who take time off to have a baby. Eligibility requirements, expected pay, and more information can be found in this article. The Government Calculator is an easy way to determine maternity pay entitlements.

What is full pay maternity leave?
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What is full pay maternity leave?

Employees are entitled to paid maternity leave for a minimum of 16 weeks, with the right to take 4 to 6 weeks before their due date. If expecting multiple children, this leave is increased to 20 weeks and 8 to 10 weeks before their due date. After giving birth, employees are entitled to a minimum of 10 weeks of leave, with 6 weeks taken immediately after birth. The remaining leave can be spread over 30 weeks, provided the employer agrees.

Employees can request leave within 3 weeks of giving birth, with a two-week response time. If the baby arrives early or late, unused leave can be added to the employee’s leave after the birth. Late arrivals result in a minimum of 10 weeks of leave.

Who is Alabaster Percy Jackson?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Who is Alabaster Percy Jackson?

Alabaster C. Torrington, a Greek demigod son of Hecate, fought for Kronos and the Titans during the Second Titan War. He led his half-siblings into battle and was banished from the camps and gods’ favors after the war. Alabaster revealed that he was the leader of the demigods in Kronos’ army during the second Titanomachy. The Titan Army was supported by minor gods, including Alabaster’s mother, Hecate, and many of her children.

Post-war, Alabaster urged his mother to continue fighting, earning the ire of the victorious Olympians. Hecate was offered a deal to rejoin the Olympian side as part of Percy Jackson’s promise to offer Kronos a general amnesty. Hecate accepted the offer, not wanting more half-blood children to die, and Alabaster was exiled to prevent corruption among the other children of Hecate at camp.


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Has Increased Maternity Pay By Statute
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Rae Fairbanks Mosher

I’m a mother, teacher, and writer who has found immense joy in the journey of motherhood. Through my blog, I share my experiences, lessons, and reflections on balancing life as a parent and a professional. My passion for teaching extends beyond the classroom as I write about the challenges and blessings of raising children. Join me as I explore the beautiful chaos of motherhood and share insights that inspire and uplift.

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