Commentary on Sections Part One: Statutory Leave and Pay Adoption leave and Statutory Adoption Pay Section 18: Maternity Pay Period
46.This section amends section 165(1) of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 by extending the period of SMP from 18 to 26 weeks.
47.Section 35(2) of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 links the MA period directly to section 165 and hence to the SMP period. Consequently, the period of MA is also extended.