This page covers statutory maternity and sick pay Scotland changes occuring in April 2018. One of the main changes to note is the increase to the statutory rates for maternity pay, paternity pay, shared parental pay and sick pay, which will be introduced in April this year.
The increase in the statutory rates are as follows:
| Category of Statutory Pay | Current rate | New rate | Expected date of change |
| Maternity Pay | 90% of average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks then £140.98 per week or 90% of the employees average weekly earnings (whichever is lower) for the remainder of leave. | 90% of average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks then £145.18 per week or 90% of the employees average weekly earnings (whichever is lower) for the remainder of leave. | 1st April 2018 |
| Paternity Pay | £140.98 per week of 90% (whichever is lower). | £145. 18 per week or 90% (whichever is lower). | 1st April 2018 |
| Shared Parental Pay | £140.98 per week of 90% (whichever is lower). | £145. 18 per week or 90% (whichever is lower). | 1st April 2018 |
| Adoption Pay | 90% of average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks then £140.98 per week or 90% of the employees average weekly earnings (whichever is lower) for the remainder of leave. | 90% of average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks then £145.18 per week or 90% of the employees average weekly earnings (whichever is lower) for the remainder of leave. | 1st April 2018 |
| Sick Pay | £89.35 per week paid for up to 28 weeks. | £92.05 per week paid for up to 28 weeks. | 6th April 2018 |
National Minimum Wage
In addition to the increase to statutory rates, April will also see an increase in the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage (paid to employee of 25 and over).
The new rates are as follows:
| Age Range | Current rate | New rate | Change Date |
| Apprentice | £3.50 per hour | £3.70 per hour | April 2018 |
| Under 18 | £4.05 per hour | £4.20 per hour | April 2018 |
| 18 to 20 | £5.60 per hour | £5.90 per hour | April 2018 |
| 21 to 24 | £7.05 per hour | £7.38 per hour | April 2018 |
| 25 and over
(National Living Wage) |
£7.50 per hour | £7.83 per hour | April 2018 |
Preparing for the increase
The new statutory rates and national minimum wage rates will be introduced in April 2018, therefore employers should take this opportunity to prepare for the changes and account for them in their annual budget. In addition, dependant on the content of company policies, these may need to be amended to reflect the increased rates.
If we can help you with this or any other HR issue, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our HR Team at HR Services Scotland Ltd on 0800 069 8970
