The government has published the rates for 2025-26 statutory maternity pay, paternity pay, adoption, parental share and sick leave.
The new rates are set to take effect on April 6, 2025. The nominal rate of statutory maternity, paternity and adoption pay will increase from PS184.03 per week to PS187.18.
Earnings threshold for these payments, except for maternity allowance, will also increase from PS123 per week to PS125. The threshold for maternity pay will remain at PS30 a week.
The statutory parental bereavement payment, which is paid to those who have to take time off from work when their child dies, or if there is a stillbirth occurs, will also increase to PS187.18 per week.
The statutory sick pay will increase from PS116.75 to PS118.75. According to the proposed Employment Rights Bill sick pay may soon be paid from the day you become ill. However, this is unlikely to be implemented by April next year.
According to the Autumn Budget, the carer’s payment threshold will increase from PS81.90 per week to a maximum of PS196 and the weekly payment from PS81.90 up to PS83.30. The minimum wage can be earned for up to 16 hours a week.
