Extending maternity leave

[Clueless30something]

Currently on maternity leave. Due to return in 6 weeks when DD is 5 mo the old. Had agreed with work I would wfh for the first month as dd won't go to nursery until 6 months. Had a good relationship with manager.

Have had some news from work which means I am now dreading returning. But I think I am too late to change my plans. Am using some annual leave to do a bit of a phase return but I would really like a couple more months off.

Does anyone know if I'm too late to extend my leave now?

You can only ask. Do you want to go back at all?

Normally need 8 weeks notice to change a return date. Could you talk to them and see if they would extend it even though you arent giving the correct notice?

Think it's 8 weeks as PP said but my work were really flexible and allowed me to change the return date at short notice a few times. Can't hurt but ask.

What is the bad news? Is that likely to be there whenever you go back?

You are supposed to give 8 weeks notice. However, I was able to extend mine with a shorter notice period. During the pandemic our childcare start date for delayed and I couldn’t start my baby for another month. I spoke to work and they were fine, happy to be supportive. I think it’s something that can be waived at your employers discretion if they are willing.

Thanks for all the replies, I thought it was 8 weeks but couldn't find anything to confirm.

The situation will still be the same at a later date and I do want to return. However I had a really flexible manager who was happy for me to wfh with dd for a couple of months. It had been verbally agreed but not in writing yet.

Manager is now leaving before I return and nee manager is not as flexible (tho not spoken to them yet) so worried what will now happen on my return.

Wouldn't it be better to outline your original case for home working and explain the previous agreement as soon as possible, rather than just delay going back? The earlier you get this agreed the better.