The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has responded to a petition calling for 12 weeks of statutory maternity pay at 90 per cent of salary for new mothers.
The petition, launched by Joeli Brearley, reached 10,000 signatures and demands 12 weeks of statutory maternity pay at 90 per cent of salary. It highlights that UK maternity pay is among Europe's least generous.
Petition calls for more generous maternity pay
The petition states: "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."
Currently, statutory maternity pay provides 90 per cent of average weekly earnings for six weeks, then drops to £194.32 per week or 90 per cent of earnings (whichever is lower) for the remaining 33 weeks.
Government review of parental leave
The DWP responded that maternity pay "is not intended to replace earnings" but provides "a measure of financial support" whilst maintaining mothers' attachment to the labour market.
The Government is undertaking a review of the parental leave and pay system, launched in July 2025 and due to conclude in early 2027, which will consider potential reforms.
Meanwhile, research shows the proportion of mothers returning to work early for financial reasons rose from 42 per cent in 2022 to 58 per cent in 2023.
