Six month rule leaves UK employees in limbo

For the past six months, the UK government has been considering a change to the rules on employment contracts, which could have a significant impact on employees and employers alike.

The current rules state that employees are entitled to a minimum of 12 weeks' statutory maternity leave, which can be taken in addition to their annual leave. However, the proposed change would introduce a new "six month rule", which would mean that employees would only be entitled to six months' paid leave.

This change has been met with concern from various groups, including the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). The TUC has argued that the change would be "devastating" for working mothers, while the EHRC has expressed concerns that it would be illegal under the Equality Act 2010.

Employers, on the other hand, have welcomed the proposed change, arguing that it would provide them with more flexibility and help to reduce the financial burden of maternity leave.

However, the debate surrounding the six month rule is far from over. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) said that "the government is considering a range of options, including a six month rule, and will make a decision in due course."

One thing is certain, however: the fate of the six month rule will have a significant impact on the lives of thousands of employees and employers across the UK.

What is the six month rule?

The six month rule is a proposed change to the rules on employment contracts, which would introduce a new entitlement to six months' paid leave for employees. This would be in addition to their annual leave and other statutory entitlements.

What are the implications of the six month rule?

Employees would be entitled to six months' paid leave, which could be taken in addition to their annual leave and other statutory entitlements.
Employers would be required to pay employees their full salary during the six month period, rather than just statutory maternity pay.
The change would have a significant impact on the lives of thousands of employees and employers across the UK.

"The six month rule would be devastating for working mothers. It's a step backwards for women's rights and would make it even harder for them to balance work and family life."

— Frances O'Grady, General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress

"The six month rule would provide employers with more flexibility and help to reduce the financial burden of maternity leave. It's a common-sense solution to a complex problem."

— An employer's representative

Author's summary: The six month rule is a proposed change to the rules on employment contracts, which would introduce a new entitlement to six months' paid leave for employees. The implications of this change are far-reaching and would have a significant impact on the lives of thousands of employees and employers across the UK.

Euro Weekly News — 2025-11-28