Would you do yoUr job for £4.99 per hour?
Could you live off £812.11 per month?
Is your answer no?
Then why do we think new parents can?
As of April 2025, statutory maternity and paternity pay works out at an equivalent to £4.99 per hour (£187.18 per week, £811.11 per month) for a full-time worker on 37.5 hours per week. Although, let’s face it, parenting is a 24/7 role.
This is 59% less than the 2025 National Living Wage of £12.21 per hour (£457.87 per week, £1983.88 per month) for workers aged 21+, which has been set out to ensure a basic standard of living.
Meanwhile, in Greater London, the benefits cap for single parents with children is £486.98 per week, £2,110.25 per month - equating to £12.98 per hour for a 37.5 hour week.
In the UK, around 1 in 3 children (approximately 33%) live in relative poverty - meaning their household income is below 60% of the national median - by their first birthday.
Research shows that over 100,000 parents fall into poverty during their child’s first year of life, often due to reduced income on Statutory Maternity/Paternity Pay, high living costs, and lack of affordable childcare.
Parents in low-income households, single parents, and those in precarious work are most at risk of poverty during this period.
HAVE YOU DONE
THE MATHS?
NAPPIES
A baby typically uses around 180 nappies a month, costing approximately £24 - £63 monthly, depending on brand type, brand quality, and bulk buying.
MORTGAGE / RENT
As of early 2024, the average monthly mortgage payment in the UK is around £800 – £1,000, though this varies significantly by region, property value, and interest rate. Meanwhile, the average monthly rent in the UK is around £1,200 - and even higher if living in London.
BABY CLOTHES
UK parents typically spend around £30 – £50 per month on baby clothes, though this can vary with seasonal needs, growth spurts, and whether they buy new or second-hand. Some months may be higher due to needing special items like coats or shoes.
FORMULA MILK
On average, formula milk costs UK parents around £40 – £70 per month, depending on the brand and how much the baby consumes. A standard tin (800g–900g) costs £10 – £15 and typically lasts about a week, meaning most babies go through 4–5 tins monthly.
CHILDCARE
The average UK spend on childcare for one child in full-time care (50 hours per week) is approximately £1,200 – £1,500 per month. For part-time care (25 hours per week), it's around £600 – £750 per month. Government incentives are means-tested on the highest earners salary - often limiting available financial aid.
PERIOD PRODUCTS
The average woman in the UK spends around £8 – £10 per month on period products, though this can vary depending on the type (pads, tampons, menstrual cups, etc.) and brand. Sustainable or reusable options can reduce monthly costs over time but often have a higher upfront cost.
GAS & ELECTRIC
As of early 2024, the average UK household spends around £180 – £200 per month on gas and electricity combined, though this varies based on usage, property size, and tariff.
CAR & FUEL
The average UK household spends around £250 – £300 per month on car costs (insurance, tax, maintenance) and fuel. This is increased if a car is bought on PCP.
Households with multiple cars or longer commutes can easily spend £400+ per month. Electric vehicles may have lower fuel costs but higher upfront or lease costs.
WEEKLY FOOD SHOP
The average weekly food shop for a UK household is around £70 – £100, depending on household size and shopping habits.
BABY ITEMS
On average, new UK parents spend around £1,500 – £3,000 upfront on baby items like a cot, pram, car seat, baby rocker, changing table, and monitor.
Spread over the baby’s first year, this equates to approximately £125 – £250 per month.
Spending varies widely depending on whether items are bought new or second-hand, and whether parents choose premium or budget brands.
MISCELLANEOUS COSTS
As additional items, parents typically spend £10 – £20 per month on baby toiletries and healthcare, £10 – £30 on toys and books, and £20 – £60+ on classes and activities like baby swimming or sensory groups. They might also wish to book a family photoshoot for memory keepsakes (£300 per session), or need extra safety equipment as their child grows - e.g. baby gates, plug covers, monitors) - which can cost £50 – £200.
HEALTHCARE & INSURANCE
Parents may also spend £10 – £30 per month on life insurance or income protection, £20 – £50 per month on healthcare extras (like dental, private GP, or physiotherapy), and between £200 – £1,000+ on additional maternity or postnatal care such as physio, osteopath, counselling, or a doula.
To cover all typical monthly costs of raising a baby in the UK, the average parent needs around £2,000 – £3,500 per month, depending on lifestyle, location and childcare needs.As of early 2024, the average monthly wage in the UK (before tax) is around £2,500 – £3,000.
Annual salary: ~£30,000 – £36,000
After tax (take-home pay): ~£2,000 – £2,400 per month
When on Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) or Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) at £187.18 per week (as of April 2025), this equates to £748.72 per month (based on 4 weeks) or around £812.11 per calendar month (based on 52 weeks ÷ 12 months)/
This means a reduction in earnings/household income of £1,200 – £1,600 per month (and higher, if earning more than the average), or roughly a 60% – 67% drop in income while on SMP/SPP.
This is not sustainable.
End PARENTING POVERTY
If the National Living Wage is £12.21 per hour to legally enforce and ensure a basic standard of living, and a single parent in Greater London can receive the equivalent of £12.98 per hour in benefits, why is statutory maternity or paternity pay just £4.99 per hour?
Working parents, especially women, who contribute to the tax system are being pushed into poverty at their most vulnerable time. This undermines family stability and suggests the Government does not prioritise childbirth or its economic value.
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If you’d like to share your experience - anonymously or publicly - please get in touch. Your story could help shift perceptions, influence policy, and inspire others.
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If you’re a journalist or media professional and would like to speak with someone from our team, access case studies, or request a comment, we’re always happy to help. We can also connect you with parents who are willing to speak about their experiences.