Statutory Maternity Pay

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is a government-mandated amount paid to eligible employees during their maternity leave. It provides financial support to employees who are temporarily unable to work due to pregnancy and childbirth. Generally, eligible employees receive up to 39 weeks of SMP: the first six weeks at 90% of their average weekly earnings, and the remaining weeks at a fixed rate set by law. SMP helps ensure that working individuals can take necessary time off around childbirth without facing severe financial hardship, supporting the health and well-being of both mother and baby during this important period.