162 Rates of payment.N.I.
(1)There shall be two rates of statutory maternity pay, in this Act referred to as “the higher rate” and “the lower rate”.
(2)The higher rate is a weekly rate equivalent to nine-tenths of a woman’s normal weekly earnings for the period of 8 weeks immediately preceding the 14th week before the expected week of confinement or the weekly rate prescribed under subsection (3) below, whichever is the higher.
(3)The lower rate is such weekly rate as may be prescribed [F1which must not be less than the weekly rate of statutory sick pay for the time being specified in section 153(1) above or, if two or more such rates are for the time being so specified, the higher or highest of those rates.]
[F2(4)Statutory maternity pay shall be payable to a woman–
(a)at the higher rate in respect of the first 6 weeks in respect of which it is payable; and
(b)at the lower rate in respect of the portion of the maternity pay period after the end of that 6 week period.]
F3(5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F3(6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F3(7). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F3(8). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 162(3) added (with effect in any case where the expected week of confinement begins on or after 16.10.1994) by S.R. 1994/176, regs. 1(3), 4(2)
F2S. 162(4) substituted (with effect in any case where the expected week of confinement begins on or after 16.10.1994) by S.R. 1994/176, regs. 1(3), 4(3)
F3S. 162(5)-(8) omitted (with effect in any case where the expected week of confinement begins on or after 16.10.1994) by virtue of S.R. 1994/176, regs. 1(3), 4(4)