Anglesey Mum Stunned by Shockingly Low Maternity Pay, Saves £15k During Pregnancy
An expecting mother, Alice Gregory from Anglesey, expressed shock at the meagre statutory maternity pay in the UK, spurring her to save a remarkable £15.5k during her pregnancy. Learn more about Wales, UK and all the latest news.
Alice discovered she was pregnant last autumn and was taken aback to find out that statutory maternity pay in the UK amounted to a mere £184.03 per week. Realising this amount would not cover her expenses, the 30-year-old started saving diligently to avoid depending solely on her partner, Dion McGrath, 31, who works as a support carer.
In just nine months, Alice managed to save £7,000 from her regular salary and an additional £8,500 from side gigs like surveys and freelancing. She felt pressured to work in order to afford her own maternity leave and was disappointed by the low statutory pay amount, describing it as not in line with the cost of living and suggesting it undervalued new mothers.
Alice, who works in marketing, expressed her dismay at the disparity between her usual earnings and the statutory pay, highlighting how it falls short of what she is accustomed to. Despite receiving 90% of her salary for the initial 12 weeks from her employer, exceeding the legal requirement, she will then receive the standard £184.03 per week, equating to £736.12 monthly before tax, which she noted was below minimum wage.
Determined to maintain her financial independence, Alice adopted a frugal lifestyle, abstaining from non-essential purchases like clothes. She emphasised the importance of financial security during maternity leave, especially in times of economic uncertainty. Alice strived to save as much as possible even after the birth of her daughter, supplementing her income through additional freelance work and surveys.
Reflecting on the broader implications of maternity pay, Alice highlighted the financial challenges faced by new mothers and the impact it can have on their overall well-being. She acknowledged her privilege in being able to save and expressed concern for those who may not have the same financial capability. While dreaming of taking a full year off for maternity leave, Alice faces the reality of potentially having to return to work earlier due to rising living costs, emphasising the importance of maximising time with her child during this crucial period.
Despite the financial obstacles, Alice remains grateful for the opportunity to experience motherhood and navigate the financial demands that come with it. She voiced her hopes for a better support system for new mothers and a reevaluation of maternity pay to better reflect the true cost of living. Alice’s story sheds light on the financial challenges faced by many mothers during this special but financially stressful period of their lives.