Statutory Maternity Pay

From April 2002 the flat rate of SMP increases to £75 per week. Also note that from April 2003 it has been announced that SMP will increase to £100 per week and at the same time the period of maternity pay goes from 18 to 26 weeks, regardless of length of service. For staff employed for six months by the expected week of birth there is to be an additional unpaid leave entitlement of 26 weeks making a total leave period of one year. April 2003 also sees the introduction of a right to two weeks’ paid paternity leave paid at the rate of SMP. For adopted children there will be a right to 26 weeks’ paid adoption leave and 26 weeks unpaid leave.