DWP £12.21 Per Hour Maternity/Paternity Payment: We are asking the Government to increase Statutory Maternity and Paternity Pay so that it matches the National Living Wage. At just £4.99 per hour for full-time parents, current parental pay is nearly 60% less than the 2024 National Living Wage of £12.21. This level of support is simply not enough for new parents to live on.
Why the Current Parental Pay Is Not Enough
In 2024, the Government set the National Living Wage at £12.21 per hour for workers aged 21 and over. This amount was meant to provide a basic standard of living. However, Statutory Maternity and Paternity Pay for full-time workers (based on 37.5 hours a week) only comes out to £4.99 an hour.
This major gap shows a contradiction: if £12.21 is what someone needs to live, then how can £4.99 be considered fair for new parents?
Parents Shouldn’t Be Pushed Into Poverty
New parents, especially mothers, often have to take time away from work after childbirth. During this time, they still need to pay rent or mortgage, cover household expenses, and buy things for their newborn. Getting paid less than half the minimum needed to live only adds stress at a time when they need support the most.
We believe it’s unfair and harmful to expect families to survive on such low pay during such a life-changing event. For many, it leads to debt, mental health struggles, or being forced to return to work earlier than is safe or healthy.
Women Are Disproportionately Affected
This issue particularly affects women, who are more likely to take longer maternity leave. Despite contributing to the tax system like anyone else, they are being financially penalized for having children. This widens the gender pay gap and puts more pressure on mothers during and after pregnancy.
Undervaluing Parenthood Harms Society
By paying parents so little, it sends a message that childbirth and parenting aren’t valued. But families are the backbone of any society and deserve proper support. Helping parents during this critical time strengthens families, reduces long-term poverty, and benefits the economy.
We believe the Government should show real support for parents by raising statutory maternity and paternity pay to match the National Living Wage. No parent should be pushed into poverty for bringing new life into the world.
Becoming a parent is a big responsibility, and families should feel supported—not punished—during this time. £4.99 per hour is not enough to live on. If the National Living Wage is set at £12.21 because that’s what people need to survive, then maternity and paternity pay should match it. This is not just a financial issue—it’s about fairness, dignity, and valuing families.
FAQ
What is Statutory Maternity and Paternity Pay in the UK?
It is the fixed amount the government pays eligible parents when they take time off work to care for a newborn or adopted child.
Why is the current parental pay considered unfair?
Because it is just £4.99 per hour for full-time parents—about 59% less than the National Living Wage, which is meant to cover basic living needs.
What is the National Living Wage in 2024?
In 2024, the UK National Living Wage is £12.21 per hour for workers aged 21 and over.
How does low parental pay affect families?
It can push families into poverty, increase stress, and force parents—especially mothers—to return to work earlier than they should.
