From 1 April 2007, the standard rate for Statutory Maternity Pay will increase from £108.85 to £112.75 per week (or 90 per cent of average weekly earnings if this figure is less). The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2007 also applies the same rates to Maternity Allowance, Statutory Paternity Pay and Statutory Adoption Pay.

Amendments to the Work and Families Act make changes to the maternity rights of employees with children born or expected to be placed for adoption on or after 1 April 2007. See the Department of Trade and Industry website at http://www.dti.gov.uk/employment/workandfamilies/index.html for further information.

Statutory Sick Pay

The flat rate of Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will rise from £70.05 to £72.55 per week from 6 April 2007. The earnings threshold for employees to be eligible to receive SSP will increase from £84 to £87 per week