new rates for statutory maternity, paternity and adoption pay
from April 2010
The new rates of statutory maternity pay (SMP), statutory
paternity pay (SPP) and statutory adoption pay (SAP) have been
announced to take affect in April. For payment weeks starting on or
after 4 April 2010, the standard rate of SMP, SPP and SAP, known as
the prescribed rate, rises from £123.06 per week to £124.88 per
week. For SMP, this rate (or 90% of earnings, whichever is the
lower) applies for up to 33 weeks after the first six weeks.
The first six weeks are paid at 90% of earnings. SPP
applies for up to two weeks and SAP for up to 39 weeks, both
at the prescribed rate or 90% of earnings, whichever is the
lower.
In order to be eligible for SMP, SAP, and SPP, employees must
earn at least the National Insurance Lower Earnings Limit (LEL) in
the eight weeks running up to and including the 15th week before
the baby is due or, in the case of adoption, the eight weeks before
the notification of the adoption match is given. From 6 April 2010
the LEL will rise from £95 per week to £97 per week.
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will remain £79.15 per week for
2010/11. The new rates of SMP, SPP, SAP and SSP have yet to be laid
before Parliament.
Please find on our website publications page our 2010 Handy
Fact Card, which contains these and other useful employment law
facts and figures.
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