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.
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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.