The Government has published changes to the statutory rates for maternity pay, paternity pay, shared parental pay, adoption pay and sick pay from April 2019.
Currently the weekly rate of statutory maternity pay is £145.18, or 90% of the employee’s average weekly earnings if this figure is less than the statutory rate. The rate of statutory maternity pay is rising to £148.68 from April 2019.
Also, the rates of statutory paternity pay and statutory shared parental pay will increase from £145.18 to £148.68 (or 90% of the employee’s average weekly earnings if this figure is less than the statutory rate).
The rate of statutory adoption pay will also increase from £145.18 to £148.68.
This means that, from 7 April 2019, statutory adoption pay is payable at 90% of the employee’s average weekly earnings for the first six weeks, with the remainder of the adoption pay period at the rate of £148.68, or 90% of average weekly earnings if this is less than £148.68.
Each year, the rates normally increase each April in line with the consumer price index (CPI).
The rate of statutory sick pay is also increasing from £92.05 to £94.25 on 6 April 2019.
To be entitled to these statutory payments, the employee’s average earnings must be equal to or more than the lower earnings limit.
The lower earnings limit is increasing from £116 to £118 in April 2019.
If you would like to discuss these up and coming changes. Or would like more information. Please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to assist – 01932 830664 or email sally.phillips@wardwilliams.co.uk