 March
2007
Increased Maternity Pay
HMRC have updated their guidance on Statutory Maternity
Pay (SMP) due to women whose babies are due on or after
1 April 2007. The important date is when the baby is
due not when the baby is born. The changes are significant
and include:
- an increase in the maximum number of weeks SMP
payable from 26 to 39. There is no change to the
number of weeks paid at the earnings related rate
being the first six weeks.
- introducing keeping in
touch days (KIT). Women can do some work during their
SMP payment period and can be paid for the work done
without losing entitlement to SMP.
- increasing the
notice period for women wishing to change their return
to work date from 28 days to 8 weeks.
- increasing
the leave entitlement for all pregnant women to 52
weeks regardless of the length of service.
Please
get in touch if we can give you further advice on
these or other payroll issues.
Internet Link:
Employers Bulletin 25
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