Closed petition Extend SMP to 12 Months for Babies Born in 2020 due to COVID-19

Closed on 6 May 2021

To extend all SMP paid to Mothers who have given birth in 2020 from 39 weeks pay to 52 weeks to allow Mums and Babies to have the best experience, to use baby classes when they are running and to ease pressure to go back to work in unsafe conditions.

Mothers who have given birth in 2020 have had to experience isolation, lack of socialisation and mental health struggles as a direct result of Lockdowns. They have been unable to attend some classes that would normally run, cutting social interaction for babies and mums - an integral part of the first year of life. 13 weeks extra pay will help mums have extra time with their baby without worrying about finances or going back to work immediately.