An increase in maternity pay has come in this week and it's set to benefit 40,000 mums. The standard rate of maternity allowance has risen by 10.1%, alongside other benefits paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
It is worth £15.82 per week, adding up to £617 for the 39 weeks for which it can be claimed. The increase is automatic and the DWP said it was expected to benefit around 40,000 mothers who are on maternity leave this year, reports LancsLive.
DWP minister, Viscount Younger of Leckie, said: “We want every child to have a good start in life, which is why we are increasing our support for mums. This builds on our extension of free childcare for working parents from this summer, alongside an increase to the universal credit childcare cost cap and further help with upfront payments. These changes will help parents progress in work and earn a better living to support their family.”
