statutory

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is a payment from your employer if you’re eligible and you’re taking time off work because you’re pregnant or have recently given birth. It’s paid for up to 39 weeks and is currently paid at a rate of 156.66 a week or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower.

SMP is a vital safety net for new parents, providing financial support at a time when they may be facing additional costs. It also helps to ensure that women are not financially penalized for taking time off work to have children. Historically, SMP has been an important factor in reducing the gender pay gap and increasing women’s participation in the workforce.

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Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is a payment made by your employer to employees who are unable to work due to sickness or injury. You may be eligible for SSP if you meet certain criteria, such as having worked for your employer for at least 24 weeks and earning at least 120 per week.

SSP is paid at a rate of 96.35 per week for up to 28 weeks. You can apply for SSP by completing an SSP1 form, which you can get from your employer or the Social Security Agency website. You will need to provide your employer with a doctor’s note or other evidence of your illness or injury.

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