Recent research from the charity Pregnant Then Screwed in collaboration with Women in Data, which gathered responses from 35,800 respondents, highlights the pressing issue of low statutory maternity pay (SMP) in the UK and examines its impact on new mothers and families. The key findings on the effects of SMP include:
- 43% of mothers return to work early, as more than two in five mothers reported returning to work after just 12 weeks or less due to inadequate statutory maternity pay.
- £184 per week is the current rate of SMP for those who earn enough to qualify. This amounts to only 43% of the national living wage, placing many families under financial strain. (It is paid for up to 33 weeks of the 52 weeks permitted for maternity leave, following an initial 6 weeks which is paid at 90% of the employee’s average weekly earnings.)
- 76% rely on debt or savings as a significant majority of mothers report they had to resort to debt or withdrawing savings to cover expenses during maternity leave.
In the study, mothers reported having to return to work as early as 11 weeks postpartum due to financial pressures, impacting their bonding time with their infants and contributing to mental health struggles. Advocacy groups are urging the government to raise SMP and maternity allowance to align with the national living wage, emphasising the need for reform.
The findings suggest a need to consider reform in maternity pay as largely, the current SMP does not sufficiently support families, leading to early returns to work and financial instability. This has far-reaching effects on society, mental health and family bonding, with many mothers feeling overwhelmed by guilt. Experts are calling for a comprehensive review of the parental leave system to ensure greater fairness and flexibility, suggesting that HR departments can play an important role in advocating for better policies. By prioritising support for new parents, businesses not only aid their employees during a vital life stage but also enhance overall productivity and employee loyalty.
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Navigating the complexities of maternity pay and leave can be challenging for both employees and employers. At HR Solutions, we’re here to provide guidance and expertise to help you create fair and supportive policies that work for everyone.
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