Maternity (SMP), Paternity (SPP) and other Family Benefits

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)

***Eligibility: ***To qualify for Maternity, Employees need to be working for us forcontinuously for 26 weeks by the end of the 15th week (the qualifying week) before expected week of childbirth. Employees must earn on average at least £125 a week, and give the correct notice (15 weeks before due date). If an Employee is not eligible for Maternity Pay, they still might be able to get Maternity allowance from the government.

***Entitlement: ***SMP is paid up to 39 weeks. You are entitled to:

• 90% of the weekly earnings before tax for the first 6 weeks
• Then further payments. For current amounts, see here.

***How to Claim: ***To claim for SMP, the employee must tell the Employer (Clipper) at least 15 weeks before the due date. This can be requested in writing. Employees must then provide proof of pregnancy to be able to receive SMP. This can be a letter from a Doctor or Midwife, or an MATB1 certificate. Doctors or Midwives usually issue these 20 weeks before the due date.

Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) & Leave

Eligibility: Paternity Leave is different from Paternity Pay. For leave, you are eligible from your first day of employment. To qualify for Paternity Pay, employees need to be working for us for continuously for 26 weeks by the end of the 15th week (the qualifying week) before expected week of childbirth. Employees must earn on average at least £125 a week, be employed up to the date of birth and give the correct notice (15 weeks before due date).

***Entitlement: ***The entitlements are different for both leave and pay.

• You are entitled to 1 or 2 weeks*** ***Paternity Leave, with the later taken as two single weeks should you wish.
• For Paternity Pay, you are entitled to £187.18 or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower). Latest pay can be found here.

How to claim: To claim for SPP, the employee must tell the employer (Clipper) at least 15 weeks before the due date. This should be requested in writing, stating the baby’s due date and when you expect the pay to start. This should be followed up with an SC3 form (to be given no later than 28 days before the pay is due to start). You will need to provide 28 days notice for Paternity Leave.

Statutory Shared Parental Pay (SSPP), Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP), Statutory Bearevement Pay and Neonatal Care Pay are also available. Please see our employee hanbook.

Updated on: 30/03/2026