Entitlement to Statutory Maternity Pay, as well as the
other forms of Parental or Adoption Pay, are currently
calculated through someone’s average earnings over an
8-week assessment period. For Maternity Allowance,
entitlement and the rate payable is also determined by
looking at average earnings over a 13 week period.
The statutory instrument laid in Parliament today will
ensure workers whose period of family-related pay
begins on or after 25 April will be assessed on their
usual, full pay.
The changes will ensure those intending to take time
off following the birth, adoption, or death of a child
will not see their entitlement to pay affected as a
result of being furloughed in the wake of the impacts
of COVID-19.
Business Minister said:
Maternity and other forms of parental leave are
pivotal times in people’s lives, and they should
absolutely be protected from the impacts
of COVID-19.
We are supporting workers and businesses in a way
never seen before, in response to the unprecedented
effects of COVID-19. These measures will
ensure those on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
continue to receive the parental leave and pay they
are entitled to.
Lords Minister for the Department for Work and
Pensions, said:
At an already challenging time for families, peace of
mind that they can rightly take time off and receive
their full entitlement will provide much needed
reassurance.
Throughout this health emergency we’ve taken
unprecedented steps to help those affected make ends
meet, and today’s new measures further extend vital
financial support.
Notes to editors
Pregnant women and new mothers are entitled to take up
to 52 weeks of Maternity Leave. Up to 39 weeks are
paid. For women who qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay
(SMP),
this is paid at 90% of usual earnings for the first 6
weeks, followed by 33 weeks at the statutory rate
(currently £151.20). Adoption Leave and Statutory
Adoption Pay (SAP) are the same.
To be eligible for SMP or SAP,
a person’s average weekly earnings must be at least
equal to the Lower Earnings Limit (currently £120 per
week) over a prescribed 8-week test period. A person’s
earnings over this period are also used to determine
the earnings-related rate of SMP or SAP for
the first 6 weeks.
Maternity Allowance is a benefit paid to working
mothers (including self-employed mothers) who do not
qualify for SMP – this is
worth up to £151.20 a week for up to 39 weeks.
Entitlement to MA, and the rate payable,
are determined by reference to 13-weeks earnings in a
66-week test period.
Statutory Paternity Pay is up to 2 weeks long and is
paid at the lower of £151.20 per week, or 90% of
average earnings.
Shared Parental Pay is up to 50 weeks long and is paid
at the lower of £151.20 per week, or 90% of average
earnings.
Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay is 2 weeks long and
is paid at the lower of £151.20 per week, or 90% of
average earnings.
To be eligible for Paternity, Shared Parental and
Parental Bereavement Pay, a person’s average weekly
earnings need to exceed the Lower Earnings Limit
(currently £120 per week) over a prescribed 8-week test
period.
