New Lib Dem 'Maternity Income Guarantee' to support young families

11.37.00am GMT Mon 14th Feb 2005

The Liberal Democrats have announced new plans to help working mothers after the birth of their first child, guaranteeing an income of £170 per week.

The Lib Dems are committed to giving mothers the choice to spend more time in their child's early months, without feeling financially pressurised to return to work.

Annette Brooke MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on children said, "There are very substantial costs involved in having your first child, and the Liberal Democrats are guaranteeing real financial security for a full six months."

"We recognise that bringing up your first child is a tough job and this needs to be reflected in a proper maternity pay package. Tens of thousands of working mothers would benefit from our proposals every year, particularly those with lower incomes."

"We are committed to giving mothers the choice to spend more time in their child's early months, without feeling financially pressurised to return to work."

The Liberal Democrat 'Maternity Income Guarantee' will mean all working mothers will be paid at least £4,420 for the 26 weeks of statutory maternity leave when they are starting a family. This equates to £170 per week, the equivalent of the gross income of the minimum wage for a 35 hour week.

Around 200,000 working women have their first baby every year. Under the Maternity Income Guarantee, the majority would be significantly better off - and not one would lose out.