MATERNITY PAY SHOULD BE DOUBLED

Stressed new mums are forced back to work early

- LIZZY BUCHAN

 MATERNITY pay should be doubled so new mums aren't forced to skip meals, cut back on heating, and return to work early, ministers have been told.

A survey for Unison, by Maternity Action, found women are making "drastic" choices as they can't afford to live on the current amount.

Women are entitled to six weeks of statutory maternity pay at 90% of their full pay.

This drops to £172.48 a week for 33 weeks or to 90% of their average weekly earnings, whichever is lower.