25 February 2024 , 11:16
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A single mum from Blackburn has shared her struggle of having to eat her son's leftovers as she can't afford to feed herself due to her maternity pay not covering the bills.
The 33-year-old mum, who works at a warehouse in East Lancashire, is currently on maternity leave after welcoming her second child last year. She also has a three-year old-son and confessed that she often ends up eating his leftovers because she can't afford to buy enough food for herself.
She asked to remain anonymous and expressed feeling guilty whenever she has had to use the Blackburn foodbank, believing there are others worse off than her.
"I've never not worked; since I got my first job as a waitress when I was 15 I've always had full-time employment," the mum told LancsLive. "I've gone to the foodbank a couple of times but I feel bad cos I think 'I shouldn't be in this situation'."
At present, Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) - the lowest amount employers can legally pay - is available for up to 39 weeks. It is 90 per cent of the mother's average weekly earnings before tax for the first six weeks - after that, mums receive £172.48 or 90 per cent of their average weekly earnings, whichever sum is lower, for the next 33 weeks.
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A new study, released this month by the trade union Unison and the charity Maternity Action, discovered that over a quarter of new mums had 'skipped meals' - with some 'brushing their teeth' to beat hunger cravings. The study is calling on the government to double maternity pay to £364.70.
The Blackburn mum shared that she "always puts" her two kids first and ensures there are plenty of healthy snacks and fresh fruit at home. But when it comes to feeding herself, she confessed that she often only has one meal a day.
"I know it sounds stupid but when [my little boy] has finished his tea if he's left any bits I eat them instead of making something for myself," she said. "Sometimes all I'll eat in a day is two or three slices of toast.
"If we go round to my dad's he always offers to make me something to eat, I think cos he can see I've lost weight, but I'm too ashamed to tell him the truth. He's hard up himself and I don't want him to feel like he's got to look after me.
"I'm starting to panic about going back to work cos I'm not sure I'll be able to afford to work and pay childcare. I've turned off all the radiators in the house apart from the kids' room and when it's been cold lately I've slept in my dressing gown."
Trade union Unison and the charity Maternity Action are urging the government to increase statutory maternity pay. Bosses warned that pregnant women and new mums are being left struggling to keep warm and eat healthily.
Maternity Action's boss, Ros Bragg, said: "Stress during pregnancy puts women at increased risk of post-natal depression and other mental health conditions. The government should be supporting pregnant women and new mothers to live healthy lives, not leaving them struggling to keep their house warm and eat a balanced diet."