maternity pay

[MORELLO]

Can anyone confirm that you pay tax and N.I. on SMP as you would you normal pay?
Have heard it is so, but seems unreasonable to do so on such a small amount - you must be left with very little?

[AniseedTwist]

Unfortunately you do have to pay both tax and NI on SMP. It doesn't really seem fair but it's treated as normal pay.

See http://www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/benefits/statu tory_maternity_pay.asp