Being unable to afford basic necessities due to inadequate statutory pay is a harsh reality that too many people face every day across the UK. Whether they're trying to start a family or recover from illness, countless individuals are forced into debt simply because they cannot earn enough to cover their basic needs. 

The Government's National Living Wage (the legal minimum for workers over 21) is £11.44/hour UK-wide. For added context, millions of workers are still paid less than the Real Living Wage, currently set at £12/hour UK-wide or £13.15/hour in London (Living Wage Foundation). 

Example 1 - Statutory Maternity Pay

The current maximum Statutory Maternity Pay is £184.03/week. If the average weekly working hours in the UK are 36.7 (Statista, Jan 2024), that means a new mother gets just £5.01/hour. 

Example 2 - Statutory Sick Pay 

The current maximum Statutory Sick Pay is £116.75/week. If the average weekly working hours in the UK are 36.7 (Statista, Jan 2024), that means anyone recovering from illness gets just £3.18/hour. 

The current system forces individuals into financial hardship during times when they should be focusing on their health and well-being or nurturing their newborns.

By upgrading all forms of statutory pay to meet the Government's National Living Wage, we can ensure that everyone has a fairer chance to maintain financial stability during critical periods in their lives. This is not just about economics; it's about human dignity and equality. 

It's time for the government to take action and ensure that all types of statutory pay meet the living wage standard. Please sign this petition if you believe in fair wages for all workers during all phases of life. 

Update 18/04/2024: Thank you all for your support. Ultimately, the government should acknowledge and adopt a 'Real Living Wage' in place of the National Living Wage, across the board. As one of the world's richest countries, the UK should at least be offering a 'Real Living Wage' and decent standard of living to all working citizens.