Civil Service OMP - can anyone help clarify?

[Lolly3]

Hello, first time poster so I apologise if this isn't the right place for this! I'm planning to start trying for a baby soon. I started my job as a civil servant in November 2020.
The enhanced OMP requirement states "have at least 52 weeks' continous service during the 24 months up to and including the qualifying week".

I'm a bit confused by the 24 months bit? Does this mean I'll need to work for 24 months (12 of those being consecutive) before I can claim OMP? I'm most likely being dense but these documents drive me mad the way they are worded sometimes!

Help much appreciated

No it means you need to have worked 12 consecutive months at some point in the previous 2 years in addition to being employed in the qualifying week

Ah I see, I guess they are covering themselves for people who haven't managed to rack up the required time in the past two years? Thank you for the confirmation!

basically if you were working for a year, took a 9 month career break and then came back just before the qualifying week you'd still be entitled to maternity leave. it's very specific i guess where that would be relevant