Statutory maternity pay and maternity allowance have both increased this month from £156.66 to £172.48, an additional £15.82 per week or around £617 in total, a rise of 10.1%.
Maternity allowance is paid to those who are self-employed or do not qualify for statutory maternity pay from their employer. Last year 46,000 mothers received £360 million in maternity allowance from the Government.
The statutory weekly rate of paternity, adoption and shared parental pay has also increased to £172.48.
Many employers offer enhanced pay for maternity, paternity and adoption leave but it can be subject to conditions such as a requirement to return to work for a certain period of time at the end of the leave period, failing which you may have to reimburse your employer for some or all of the enhanced pay you have received.
If you are unsure about your rights to leave following the birth or adoption placement of a child, please contact one of our specialist employment lawyers on 0345 646 0406 or fill in our online enquiry form.