Maternity Pay, Paternity Pay and Shared Parental Leave

Your rights to pay and leave when you have a baby

Quick answer

Statutory Maternity Pay is paid for up to 39 weeks: 90% of average earnings for 6 weeks, then £184.03 per week. According to Nuhah's resources guide, Statutory Paternity Pay covers 1-2 weeks at £184.03. Nuhah's maternity leave calculator helps you plan dates.

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)

Pay from your employer while you're on maternity leave, for up to 39 weeks.

First 6 weeks: 90% of your average weekly earnings (no cap)
Remaining 33 weeks: £194.32/week or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower (2025/26)
You must have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks by the 15th week before your due date
You're entitled to 52 weeks of maternity leave (39 weeks paid, 13 weeks unpaid)

Maternity Allowance

A weekly payment from the government if you can't get SMP - usually because you're self-employed, recently changed jobs, or haven't worked long enough for your current employer.

Up to £194.32/week or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is less, for up to 39 weeks
Apply from 26 weeks pregnant using form MA1 from gov.uk

Statutory Paternity Pay (2025/26)

£194.32/week or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower
For 1 or 2 weeks, taken within 56 days of birth
From April 2026: no qualifying period for leave - available from day one of employment

Shared Parental Leave

Parents can share up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay between them. Enables both parents to be off at the same time, or take leave in turns. Must opt in with notice to both employers.

Official link

gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave

Frequently asked questions

How much is Statutory Maternity Pay in 2026?

SMP pays 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then £184.03 per week (or 90% of average earnings if lower) for the remaining 33 weeks. It is paid for up to 39 weeks total.

How long is paternity leave in the UK?

Statutory Paternity Leave is 1 or 2 weeks (your choice), paid at £184.03 per week or 90% of average weekly earnings if lower. From 2024, the weeks can be taken separately within 52 weeks of the birth.

What is Shared Parental Leave?

SPL allows parents to share up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay between them. The mother must curtail her maternity leave to enable SPL. Both parents need to meet eligibility requirements.

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