A mum from Anglesey, Alice Gregory, was astounded by the statutory maternity pay in the UK, leading her to save £15.5k during her pregnancy. Alice discovered her pregnancy last autumn and was taken aback to learn that the statutory maternity pay in the UK was a mere £184.03 per week. Realising this amount wouldn’t cover her bills, she immediately began saving to avoid relying solely on her partner, Dion McGrath, 31, a support carer. Over nine months, Alice managed to set aside £7,000 from her salary and an additional £8,500 from side hustles like surveys and freelancing.
Feeling pressured to work to afford her own maternity leave, Alice expressed disappointment in the system when Tory leadership candidate Kemi Badenoch implied that maternity pay was excessive. Defending her position, Alice, who works as a head of marketing, highlighted her shock at the difference between her regular wage and the statutory maternity pay. Her employer went beyond legal requirements by paying 90% of her salary for 12 weeks initially. However, following this period, she will receive only £184.03 weekly, which she noted was below minimum wage.
To maintain financial independence, Alice embraced strict saving habits and took on additional work through freelancing and surveys. Despite the financial strain, she continued freelancing even after her daughter’s birth. Alice noted her privilege in being able to save, contrasting it with others who may not have the same opportunity. Reflecting on the financial challenges of maternity pay, she questioned the fairness of new mums earning less than minimum wage solely because they had a baby.
As she hopes to take a full year for maternity leave, Alice acknowledged the possibility of returning to work earlier due to rising energy costs. She emphasised the importance of maximising this time with her newborn despite financial constraints. While grateful for the chance to raise a child during tough economic times, she expressed the emotional toll of financial anxiety during what should be a special period in a couple’s life. Despite the hurdles, Alice felt fortunate for the opportunity to experience motherhood.