Thank you for contacting me about maternity leave and maternity pay.
It is worth noting that the UK’s Maternity Leave offer is amongst the most generous in the world – up to 52 weeks of leave are available, 39 weeks of which are paid.
As you may know, under Statutory Maternity Pay and Statutory Adoption Pay, eligible parents receive 90 per cent of normal earnings for the first 6 weeks, followed by up to 33 weeks at the statutory flat rate (£151.20 per week).
In 2019, the Government consulted on reforming parental leave and pay. It also conducted a formal evaluation of the Shared Parental Leave and Pay scheme, including large-scale, representative surveys of employers and parents. I understand the feedback from this consultation is helping inform government thinking as proposals are brought forward.
As part of the evaluation of Shared Parental Leave and Pay, the Government commissioned large, representative, surveys of parents and employees which asked about a broad range of parental leave and pay entitlements` including high-level options for reform. The information collected is providing a fuller picture of how well the current system of parental leave and pay is working for parents and employers.
I thank all those who are involved in maternity services across the Island.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.