The new rates have just been announced and take effect on 6 April 2025.

Statutory maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental pay see a small increase from £184.03 to £187.18 a week. The earnings threshold for these payments – except for maternity pay – will also go up from £123 to £125 a week. The threshold for maternity allowance will remain at £30 per week.

Statutory sick pay

As we know under the proposed Employment Rights Bill, sick pay could soon be payable from the first day of being ill, but this will likely not be in effect by April. The new Statutory sick pay amount will rise from £116.75 per week to £118.75.

Carers allowance

As announced in the autumn budget, employees on carer’s allowance will see their weekly earnings threshold rise from £151 per week to £196, and the weekly payment will go up from £81.90 to £83.30. This means they can work up to 16 hours per week on the national minimum wage alongside caring responsibilities.

Guildford HR Ltd, www.guildford-hr.co.uk, telephone: 01483 362732, email: hello@guildford-hr.co.uk