Calls to raise statutory maternity pay in line with National Living Wage
The End Parenting poverty say increases to pay for new mums and dads needs are needed
Last updated 25th Mar 2025
A new national campaign has been launched urging the UK Government to raise Statutory Maternity and Paternity Pay to match the National Living Wage
The End Parenting Poverty campaign says the current rates equate to just £4.99 per hour as of April 2025, based on a standard 37.5-hour working week.
This is 59% less than the National Living Wage, which will be £12.21 per hour for workers aged 21 and over from this April.
Calls to raise maternity and paternity pay
Campaigners say this "pay-gap" leaves thousands of new parents unable to cover basic living costs during parental leave, pushing many into debt or poverty during their child’s critical first year of life.
The campaign has launched a petition with the UK Government, calling for the changes to be introduced citing: "We feel that working parents, especially women, who contribute to the tax system are being pushed into poverty at their most vulnerable time."
End Parenting Poverty campaign
Campaign lead Grace Carter believes raising rates would cost an estimated £5.3 billion annually.
She told us: "Parents are not just raising children - they are making a long-term investment in the UK’s future workforce and economy. While the government sees parental pay as a cost, it should be seen as a return on investment in society’s most vital asset: its people.
Parents shouldn’t be forced into poverty for choosing to have children. The government recognises the National Living Wage as the minimum required for a basic standard of living, yet statutory parental pay falls far below this.
We are calling on policymakers to bridge this gap and invest in families during one of the most vulnerable and important times of their lives."
Campaign to raise pay for new parents
The government will issue a response to the survey if it reaches 10,000 signatures.
A spokesperson from the Department of Work and Pensions says: "Statutory Maternity Pay and Maternity Allowance are uprated each year and are only one element of support available for pregnant women and new mothers, who may also be eligible for Universal Credit or Child Benefit.
“As we fix the foundations of the economy, we’re uprating benefits and supporting 700,000 of the poorest families by making changes to Universal Credit deductions to help low-income households and make everyone better off.”
Find out more about End Parenting Poverty campaign.
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