Proposed changes to Statutory Benefits payments

16th January, 2020

Earlier this month the Department for Work and Pensions has proposed increases to various aspects of statutory benefits payments. These are currently expected to apply as of April 2020.

As the varied forms of Statutory Payments can be confusing for employers we have included a brief summary of each form of payment.

• The weekly rate of Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will be £95.85 (up from £94.25).

SSP is the payment made by employers to employees who qualify and are off sick from work for four or more days in a row. This cannot be claimed for the first 3 days of absence. This can be paid for up to 28 weeks.

• The weekly rate of Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) and maternity allowance will be

£151.20 (up from £148.68).

SMP is the statutory payments made for a female employee who has been continually employed for 26 weeks with at least one day in the ‘qualifying week’. This is the 15^th Week before the expected birth of the child.

The female employee must also inform her employee 28 days prior or as much notice as reasonably practicable for the SMP to start.

The female employee supplies a certificate from a Midwife or Doctor confirming the date of the expected week of child birth.

This is payable for 39 weeks in total.

• The weekly rate of Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) will be £151.20 (up from £148.68).

SPP is the Statutory payment to a male employee who earns at least the lower earning limit, currently defined by the government as £118. This is payable currently for two weeks.

• The weekly rate of Statutory Shared Parental Pay (ShPP) will be £151.20 (up from £148.68).

ShPP is a payment made to employees who are new parents. This enables up to 37 weeks of the Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) 39 Weeks to be split between the parents.

These are made during one or more instances of absence taken by the parents.

• The weekly rate of Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP) will be £151.20 (up from £148.68).

SAP is the payment to a worker who has been matched with a child by the adoption agency at the same rate as SMP payable for up to 39 weeks. Unlike SMP, SAP is paid at the same rate for the full 39 weeks.

Tips for Employers

• Make sure your family friendly policies are up to date with current legislation and explain employee’s entitlements to Statutory Payments.
• Inform all employees on how they can access these policies or who they should contact regarding eligibility for these payments.
• Ensure your systems are up to date to reflect the changes.
• Maintain relevant contact with employees whilst off work to ensure compliance with the relevant legislation.

If you would like advice or guidance on Statutory Payments or any family friendly employment related matter please do not hesitate to contact our Claire Brook

 

Claire Brook Employment Law Partner Email: [email protected] Tel: 01244 405 575

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