Maternity leave question

[milkyman]

I am aware you need to give 8 weeks notice to return. Does this include if you wish to take 52 weeks (i.e. you would give notice at 44 weeks)? Do I need to let employer know if I want to take Additional Maternity Leave?

Did you tell them what date you wanted to return before you left?

If you did, then you need to give 8 weeks notice if you want to come back earlier or later than that date.

The notice has to be given 8 weeks before the date you originally said you wanted to return. (Not 8 weeks before the new date of return). So for example if you originally said you wanted to come back on 1 January, but have now decided you want to come back on 1 April, then you have to tell them 8 weeks before the 1 January.

If you didn't give them any date of return before you left, they have to assume you will be taking a year. So you wouldn't need to give them any notice if you want to take a year. You'd only have to give them notice if you want to come back earlier.