Closed petition Increase Statutory Maternity Pay in line a 40 hours week on minimum wage

Closed on 14 March 2021

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is currently set at £151. 20 a week, which is not enough to meet the cost of life in the UK and the added costs of providing for a baby, especially for families on low incomes. Government should increase SMP to allow all children to have the best start in life.

The early years are a vulnerable time when children’s experiences and environments can negatively influence their development. Growing up in poverty has a long lasting impact on children's development, school attainment and health. Children in more deprived areas are more likely to face a serious illness during childhood and to have a long-term disability. The current SMP puts an added strain on single mothers and families on low incomes and negatively affects the life of their children.