The UK Government has responded to a petition calling for statutory maternity pay to be increased, with campaigners seeking 12 weeks of payments at 90% of a mother’s salary. Ministers have confirmed that maternity pay is being examined as part of a wider review of parental leave and financial support.
The petition, which has attracted 10,000 signatures, raises concerns about the financial pressures facing new mothers and the impact of existing payment rates on decisions about returning to work. According to the Birmingham Mail, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has outlined the current arrangements and confirmed that potential reforms will be considered before the review concludes in early 2027.
Petition Calls for Higher Maternity Payments Amid Financial Pressures
Under the existing system, eligible mothers can receive Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) for up to 39 weeks. The first six weeks are paid at 90% of average weekly earnings, without an upper limit. For the remaining 33 weeks, payments are calculated using the standard weekly rate or 90% of average earnings, whichever is lower.
Campaigners want the initial period of payments at 90% of salary extended from six to 12 weeks. They are also calling for payments equivalent to the National Minimum Wage for the remainder of maternity leave.
According to the petition cited by the Birmingham Mail, statutory maternity pay increased by 12.7% between 2023 and 2026, compared with a 22% rise in the National Living Wage. The campaign also refers to estimates suggesting that the proportion of mothers returning to work earlier for financial reasons increased from 42% in 2022 to 58% in 2023.
Petitioners argue that insufficient financial support can place particular pressure on lower-income households. They also cite research linking maternity leave lasting fewer than 12 weeks with poorer maternal wellbeing, greater depression and reduced sensitivity to babies’ needs. The Government has acknowledged these concerns but maintains that maternity payments serve a different purpose from wages earned through employment.
Government Confirms Payment Increase and Ongoing Parental Leave Review
In its response, the Government explained that maternity pay is intended to provide financial assistance while mothers recover from childbirth and care for their children, rather than replace their earnings entirely.
According to the Government’s statement reported by the Birmingham Mail, the standard weekly rate of statutory maternity payments increased from £187.18 to £194.32 in April 2026. The 3.8% increase was linked to the Consumer Prices Index and formed part of the annual review of statutory payments.
Eligible women may receive either SMP, paid by employers, or Maternity Allowance, administered by the DWP. Both can provide payments for up to 39 weeks, depending on employment circumstances and earnings.
The Government also identified Universal Credit, Child Benefit, the £500 Sure Start Maternity Grant and Healthy Start vouchers as potential sources of additional support, depending on individual eligibility.
A wider Review of the Parental Leave and Pay system began on 1 July 2025. It is examining existing entitlements, parental wellbeing and the financial implications of possible changes for families, employers and taxpayers.
Ministers have also engaged with maternity advocacy organisations and are considering international approaches to parental support. The review is expected to conclude in early 2027, when the Government will publish its findings and outline any next steps towards potential reforms.
