Petition · past parliament · Department for Work and Pensions
Reform maternity and paternity pay to extend and increase support
Closed
2,550 signatures
What the petition asks
We want the Government to reform maternity and paternity pay by extending and increasing support. This could include reforming SMP and SPP payments, reducing the qualifying period for SMP and increasing paternity leave, especially in situations of traumatic births.
We want SMP and SPP to be paid at at least minimum wage, with SMP payments paid at full wage for at least 12 weeks and then at the new SMP rate thereafter. We would also like the qualifying period for SMP to be paid to be reduced. This would benefit more mums.
We also want Paternity leave to be extended, especially in the cases of traumatic births, with a right to 3 weeks at full pay with the option to take an additional 5 weeks at SPP.
We also want Paternity leave to be extended, especially in the cases of traumatic births, with a right to 3 weeks at full pay with the option to take an additional 5 weeks at SPP.
Timeline
| 30 Apr 2024 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 29 May 2024 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
2,550
Status
Closed
Department
Department for Work and Pensions
Opened
30 Apr 2024
Closed
29 May 2024
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.