The Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) has responded to a petition demanding that statutory maternity pay (SMP) be boosted to 12 weeks at 90 per cent of salary, saying the payment is not intended to replace earnings.
Currently, SMP is paid for up to 39 weeks. For the first six weeks, mothers receive 90 per cent of their average weekly earnings before tax. For the remaining 33 weeks, they receive the lower of £194.32 or 90 per cent of their average weekly earnings. Tax and National Insurance are deducted.
The petition, launched by Joeli Brearley on September 14, reached the 10,000-signature threshold on September 19, requiring the Government to respond. It argues that UK SMP is among Europe's least generous, falling to around 41 per cent of minimum wage after six weeks.
Petition highlights financial pressure on new mothers
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. The Government should fix this and give mothers 12 weeks of Statutory Maternity Pay at 90% of their salary."
It adds: "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."
The petition also cites research linking maternity leave under 12 weeks to greater depression, poorer maternal wellbeing and lower sensitivity to a baby's needs, and says low SMP can hit low-income families hardest.
DWP says pay is under review
In its response, the DWP said: "Maternity pay provides a measure of financial support to help mothers take time off work following birth. It is not intended to replace earnings. Pay is in scope of the Parental Leave and Pay Review."
The DWP added that the Government recognises the importance of ensuring new parents have the time and support they need, and that it understands many families face financial pressures during the first year of a child's life.
The response notes that eligible women may receive either Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) or Maternity Allowance (MA). SMP is paid by employers, while MA is paid by the DWP to eligible women, including self-employed women and some employed women who do not qualify for SMP.
Review of parental leave and pay due to conclude in 2027
The DWP said the Government is undertaking a Review of the Parental Leave and Pay system, which launched on 1 July 2025 and is due to conclude in early 2027. The Review is considering evidence on existing parental pay entitlements, including how any future reforms could best meet the needs of parents, employers and taxpayers.
The response states that from April 2026, statutory payments were uprated in line with the Consumer Prices Index of 3.8 per cent, with standard rates increasing from £187.18 to £194.32 per week.
The DWP said the Review will conclude with a set of findings in which the Government will outline next steps for taking any potential reforms forward to implementation. While the Review is considering whether changes may be needed in future, the current maternity pay system continues to provide support for eligible mothers during pregnancy and the first year following the birth of a child.
