Increased Maternity Pay
March 2007
HMRC have updated their guidance on Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)
due to women whose babies are due on or after 1 April 2007. The
important date is when the baby is due not when the baby is born.
The changes are significant and include:
- an increase in the maximum number of weeks SMP payable
from 26 to 39. There is no change to the number of weeks paid
at the earnings related rate being the first six weeks.
- introducing
keeping in touch days (KIT). Women can do some work during their
SMP payment period and can be paid for the work done without
losing entitlement to SMP.
- increasing the notice period for
women wishing to change their return to work date from 28 days
to 8 weeks.
- increasing the leave entitlement for all pregnant
women to 52 weeks regardless of the length of service.
Please get in touch if we can give you further advice on these
or other payroll issues.
Internet Link: Employers Bulletin 25