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From Petition Demands Higher Maternity Pay; Government Defends Current Support Levels

How could the debate over maternity pay affect England's financial support systems?

Possible What happens if… A possibility worth considering, not a forecast.

Maternity pay review could lead to changes in financial support for new mothers in England The campaign, led by Joeli Brearley, called for mothers to receive 90 per cent of their salary for the first 12 weeks of leave, followed by payments equivalent to the National Minimum Wage. The Government acknowledged the financial pressures but pointed to the Parental Leave and Pay Review, which is examining how the system could better support families. Since the Department for Work and Pensions administers and implements benefit schemes within England, any future policy changes resulting from this review could alter the financial support available to new mothers in the jurisdiction.

Reported by 1 independent outlet Written Oct 17
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How it reaches England

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The facts so far

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  • Nearly 69,000 people backed the campaign demanding better financial support for new mothers.thenorthernecho.co.uk
  • The petition calls for mothers to receive 90 per cent of their salary for the first 12 weeks of maternity leave.thenorthernecho.co.uk
  • The Parental Leave and Pay Review was launched on July 1, 2025, and is due to conclude in early 2027.thenorthernecho.co.uk
  • Eligible women can receive Maternity Allowance, which is paid by the Department for Work and Pensions.thenorthernecho.co.uk

Why it matters

The debate centers on whether the current Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) and Maternity Allowance are adequate, as campaigners argue the gap between payments and the National Minimum Wage is widening. The petition estimates that the proportion of mothers returning to work early for financial reasons rose from 42 per cent in 2022 to 58 per cent in 2023.

This issue is part of a broader governmental review of welfare systems. The Government has acknowledged financial pressures but has not committed to adopting the petition's proposed changes, meaning the current system continues to provide support while the review determines future needs.

What we don't know yet

  • What specific recommendations will the Parental Leave and Pay Review make regarding maternity pay?
  • Will the Government commit to increasing the proportion of salary covered by maternity pay?

What would change this answer

The Parental Leave and Pay Review releases a report recommending increased maternity pay rates.This would make the effect more certain, leading to concrete changes in financial support rules for new mothers in England.
The Government publicly rejects the need for reform in the review's final report.The effect would fade, and the current maternity pay system would remain in place.

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The full eventPetition Demands Higher Maternity Pay; Government Defends Current Support Levels Everything aboutEngland

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