Changing return date after maternity leave - help!

[BrumKP]

Hi all,
I'm currently on Mat Leave and I initially said I would go back in July (after 6 months) but now I don't want to. I had presumed that I could give 4 weeks notice but I've looked today and it's 8. I am now panicking because I'm not ready to go back! I called HR today and she told me to speak to my manager asap but that I should have given 8 weeks. She couldn't tell me what happens if my manager doesn't agree to extend it. Does anyone know? What can I do? TIA

[MaverickSnoopy]

How many weeks exactly is it until you are due to return?

You do need to give 8 weeks notice so it will be down to their good will. Did they give you any information before you went on leave saying how much notice you would need to give?