The government has published proposed increases to statutory ‘family leave rates’, such as statutory maternity pay to take effect in April 2026. Family leave rates are expected to rise to £194.32 a week, they are currently £187.18 a week. This will mean that where an employee meets the qualifying conditions for the payment(s):
- Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) / Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP)
First 6 weeks paid at 90% of normal weekly earnings then 33 weeks at £194.32 (or 90% of normal weekly earnings if this is lower)
- Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP)
£194.32 per week (or 90% of normal weekly earnings if this is lower)
- Statutory Shared Parental Pay (ShPP)
£194.32 per week (or 90% of normal weekly earnings if this is lower)
- Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay (SPBP)
£194.32 per week (or 90% of normal weekly earnings if this is lower)
- Statutory Neonatal Care Pay (SPBP)
£194.32 per week (or 90% of normal weekly earnings if this is lower)
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will also increase from £118.75 a week to £123.25 a week.