Statutory Maternity Pay
For an eligible employee, Statutory Maternity Pay can be paid for up to 39 weeks. The first six weeks are normally paid at 90% of average weekly earnings. The following 33 weeks are paid at £194.32 or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower.
Statutory Paternity Pay
The statutory weekly rate for eligible paternity pay in 2026/27 is £194.32 or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. From 6 April 2026, Paternity Leave is available from the first day of employment, but Statutory Paternity Pay remains a separate entitlement and normally retains the 26-week continuous-employment and £129 average-weekly-earnings tests.
Shared Parental Pay
Shared Parental Leave allows eligible parents to share leave after maternity or adoption leave is curtailed. Statutory Shared Parental Pay is generally £194.32 a week or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower, for the available paid weeks.
Eligibility and enhanced employer schemes
The amount and eligibility are separate questions. Continuous employment, average earnings, qualifying weeks, notice and evidence requirements can matter. Employers may provide enhanced maternity, paternity or shared parental pay above the statutory minimum.
What to confirm with payroll or HR
- The average-weekly-earnings period used
- Exact paid and unpaid leave dates
- Enhanced-pay conditions and repayment clauses
- How pension contributions and benefits continue
- Tax and National Insurance treatment on each payslip