New statutory rates in force from April 2025

Euro coins. Euro money. Euro currency.Coins stacked on each other in different positions.

The government has announced that the following statutory payments will increase from April next year:

26.11.2024

  • The weekly rate of SSP will increase to £118.75 (currently £116.75)
  • The weekly rate of SMP, maternity allowance, SPP, ShPL pay and parental bereavement pay will be £187.18 (currently £184.30)
  • The lower earnings limit (the weekly earnings threshold for qualifying for all of these payments other than maternity allowance) will be £125 - an increase of £2 from the current rates. The lower earnings limit for maternity allowance will remain at £30 a week.

The new rates represent an increase of 1.7% in line with CPI to September 2024. The figures, and the date from which they will apply, will need to be formalised in an Order, which must be laid before Parliament.

Our newsletters

We publish monthly employment and education newsletters. If you'd like to be added to the mailing list, please let me know. 

Key Contacts

Related Articles

  • EHRC Code of Practice for services: what does it say about toilets and changing rooms?
    Expert Comment
    EHRC Code of Practice for services: what does it say about toilets and changing rooms?
    The government has put the draft Code of Practice for services, public functions and associations before parliament. Parliament has 40 days to scrutinise the Code and it will automatically be adopted, without debate or a vote, unless MPs intervene.
    Read more
  • New trade union workplace access rights: guide for schools and colleges
    Expert Comment
    New trade union workplace access rights: guide for schools and colleges
    From 1 October 2026, trade unions have the right to ask to go into most schools and colleges to speak to staff even where they are not recognised by the employer, or have union members already there.
    Read more
  • The new right for trade unions to go into workplaces: draft Code of Practice and consultation
    Expert Comment
    The new right for trade unions to go into workplaces: draft Code of Practice and consultation
    From 1 October 2026, trade unions have the right to ask to go into most workplaces to speak to staff even where they are not recognised by the employer or have union members.
    Read more