A recent survey conducted by charity Maternity Action, on behalf of Unison, has shed light on concerning trends faced by women on maternity leave. The study finds a quarter of respondents go without food, sometimes for the entire day, to provide for their families financially.
Campaigners are now calling on the government to take action by doubling maternity pay, citing fears that mothers are resorting to drastic measures due to the inability to afford basic necessities on the current statutory weekly amount.
Proposals from both Unison and Maternity Action advocate for an increase in maternity pay to £364.70 per week. They express concern that many women are forced to return to work prematurely or are sacrificing meals due to the inadequacy of the current support system.
Presently, Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) provides financial assistance for up to 39 weeks, calculated as 90% of the mother’s average weekly earnings before tax for the initial six weeks. Subsequently, the payment is either £172.48 per week or 90% of the average weekly earnings for the remaining 33 weeks.
In light of these findings, ministers have been urged to reconsider SMP rates, with suggestions that women should receive an amount equivalent to the national minimum wage of £10.42 per hour.
The survey, conducted among 1,400 mothers in the UK on maternity leave, revealed alarming trends beyond food insecurity. Half of the respondents reported purchasing less healthy food options to cut costs, while over a third admitted to skipping meals or reducing portion sizes to make ends meet. These statistics underscore the urgent need for policy reforms to ensure that women on maternity leave are adequately supported during this crucial period.
About Author
