Green MSP Gillian Mackay

Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay has called for Downing Street to act on the fact that the UK still trails behind other European countries when it comes to maternity and paternity pay.

Mackay has urged the UK government to expand support for statutory maternity, paternity and shared parental leave to cover 52 weeks full pay.

The Scottish Greens say this would empower new parents, allowing them to spend more quality time with their children without having to be so concerned about the financial impact from loss of earnings.

Survey data from Maternity Action and UNISON show a majority of new and expectant mothers rely on credit cards, loans and borrowing from friends and family to get through maternity leave (62%) with more than a fifth (23%) accumulating debts of more than £4,000. A majority (59%) or respondents said that they cut short their maternity leave or planned to do so because of financial concerns.

Mackay initially made her call on Mothers Day.

Mackay said: “The early days of a child’s life are vital, and every new parent should have the opportunity to spend quality time with them and to introduce them to the world. But many are unable to do so in the way they want to and are being forced back to work early.

“This Mother’s Day the UK government could make a big difference for expectant-parents by expanding maternity and paternity pay and offering them far greater peace of mind and stability.

“Statutory maternity pay in the UK is far too low, and lags far behind many other European countries. A lot of young workers in particular are finding themselves squeezed, with far too many forced to decide against having a family or delaying doing so for financial reasons.

“Not everybody will want to have children, but people who do should not be deterred by poor parental pay. Particularly at a time when household bills and living costs are going up, we should be supporting parents and ensuring that babies are given the best start in life.

“By increasing support for parents and putting money in their pockets we can support our next generation and spread opportunity.”