Kemi Badenoch, a leading candidate in the Conservative Party leadership race, has sparked a major backlash after suggesting that maternity pay in the UK has “gone too far.” Her comments, made during an interview with Times Radio, have been met with criticism from both political opponents and campaigners who argue she is out of touch with the realities facing new parents.
During the interview, Badenoch outlined her vision for less government interference in business, one of the key themes of her leadership campaign. When asked specifically about the level of statutory maternity pay, Badenoch questioned whether the current support system was fair to businesses.
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Badenoch’s View on Maternity Pay
“Maternity pay varies depending on who you work for, but statutory maternity pay is a function of tax, and tax comes from people who are working,” Badenoch said. “We’re taking from one group of people and giving to another. This, in my view, is excessive.”
Her comments did not stop there. Badenoch went on to claim that businesses in the UK are struggling due to what she perceives as an overbearing regulatory environment, suggesting that maternity pay is part of the problem. “Businesses are closing, businesses are not starting in the UK, because they say that the burden of regulation is too high,” she said.
When pressed further on whether she believed maternity pay itself was excessive, Badenoch responded: “I think it’s gone too far – too far the other way in terms of general business regulation.” She added that the “exact amount of maternity pay” was not her primary concern but believed the overall level of support offered by the state had become too burdensome for businesses.
Current Maternity Pay Structure
In the UK, statutory maternity pay starts at 90% of a mother’s average weekly earnings for the first six weeks. After that, it drops to the lower of £184.03 per week or 90% of their earnings for the next 33 weeks. This system is designed to provide financial support to new mothers while allowing them to take time off work to care for their newborns.
Criticism of Badenoch’s Comments
Badenoch’s remarks have been met with swift criticism, with many accusing her of being “hopelessly out of touch” with the needs of working families. Critics argue that maternity pay is essential for supporting new parents and enabling women to return to the workforce after having children.
Labour MPs were quick to respond, with one calling her comments “shocking” and suggesting they would alienate working families. Campaigners for parental rights have also voiced their concerns, pointing out that maternity pay in the UK is already limited compared to other European countries.
As Badenoch continues her bid for Conservative leadership, her comments on maternity pay are likely to remain a contentious issue. With the leadership contest heating up, how she navigates this criticism may impact her chances of winning support within the party.
