can you explain my maternity pay?

[DuelingFanjo]

works maternity policy says:

Maternity Pay is basic pay and any continuing allowances for up to 18 weeks followed by 21 weeks of SMP. Your basic pay is your basic pay at the last payday before the end of your qualifying week.
Any maternity leave beyond the 39 weeks is unpaid.
Maternity Pay and SMP both start on the same day which is the day on which the maternity leave commences.
SMP is paid at the rate of 90% of average earnings for the first 6 weeks of maternity leave and the lesser of either the weekly SMP rate or 90% of average weekly earnings for the following 33 weeks.
Your average weekly earnings are your average gross earnings over a period of at least eight weeks up to and including the last payday before the end of your qualifying week.

Does this mean I get full pay for 18 weeks and then 90% of my pay for 21 weeks and then nothing?

Sorry if I sound thick.

Not brilliantly worded I agree. Sounds as though you get full pay for 18 weeks, yes, and then SMP for 21 weeks. SMP is only 90% of earnings for the first 6 weeks of maternity leave, so you would get the basic rate (unless you earn less than that).

but I would be getting full pay for the first 6 weeks anyway so that 90% would never apply to me?

Erk. So basic rate is really basic isn't it. i don't think it will even cover my mortgage

infact my 'wages' would more than halve for the final 21 weeks. Time to start saving every penny!

Yes the 90% wouldn't apply to you as you would be getting full pay anyway. Basic rate is not much at all, you're right, but on the upside 18 weeks full pay is pretty generous, so that's something.