Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) in the UK for 2025 is paid for up to 39 weeks. For the first 6 weeks, eligible employees receive 90% of their average weekly earnings (before tax) with no upper limit. For the following 33 weeks, the pay is the lower of either £187.18 per week or 90% of their average weekly earnings. The average weekly earnings are calculated based on the employee’s gross earnings in a relevant period before the maternity leave starts. The maximum SMP weekly rate increased from £184.03 to £187.18 from April 6, 2025. To qualify, employees generally need to earn at least £125 per week on average (up from £123).
Key Details:
- Duration: 39 weeks total
- First 6 weeks: 90% of average weekly earnings (no cap)
- Next 33 weeks: Lower of £187.18 or 90% of average weekly earnings
- Earnings threshold to qualify: £125 per week
- Rate effective from: April 6, 2025
- The pay rate applies the same regardless of number of babies (e.g., twins)
