The government has announced its proposal to increase statutory maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental pay to £151.20 a week (an increase from the current rate of £148.68 a week). This would mean that where an employee meets the qualifying conditions for the payment(s):
- Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)
First 6 weeks paid at 90% of normal weekly earnings then 33 weeks at £151.20 (or 90% of normal weekly earnings if this is lower)
- Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP)
First 6 weeks paid at 90% of normal weekly earnings then 33 weeks at £151.20 (or 90% of normal weekly earnings if this is lower)
- Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP)
£151.20 per week (or 90% of normal weekly earnings if this is lower)
- Statutory Shared Parental Pay (ShPP)
£151.20 per week (or 90% of normal weekly earnings if this is lower)
These increases normally occur on the first Sunday in April, which would be 5th April 2020.
The government has also proposed to increase Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from £94.25 a week to £95.85 a week on 6th April 2020.
We will keep you updated regarding any developments, in the meantime if you have an employment law issue with which we can assist, please do not hesitate to contact us as we are happy to help.