To think the first 2 weeks of babys birth Mat Pay ought to be compulsory 100% of your wage?

[NapQueen]

Legally employees are not allowed to return to work in the 2 weeks after giving birth (longer, 4 weeks? If factory work).

Aibu therefore to expect the smp to be 100% of their usual wage during this time?

Great idea, but where's the money going to come from?

You get 90% of pay for first 6 weeks. That's pretty close to 100% tbh.

Its currently 90% so not a massive jump, but I think represents more than the extra bit of money.

Not a massive jump but the money has to come from somewhere.

And actually your costs are lower when off work as no commute / buying lunch etc.

If you cannot work for temporary bodily reasons, isn't your entitlement to sick pay, which is not necessarily your full wage (SSP is just under £90 per week, can be payable as early as 4 day off and round out entirely at 28 weeks).

Maternity pay is significantly more valuable over time than sick pay, partly because of the recognition that it is exceptionally rare for women to take only the mandatory minimum.