Can I extend maternity leave?

[lrft]

baby is currently 3 months old, I work for the NHS and have arranged to take off 10 month maternity and then 6 weeks holiday on top so would be due to go back mid feb 2026. Circumstances have changed and I would now like to take the full 12 months maternity leave and then the 6 weeks holiday on top of that, therefore returning mid April 2026 (holidays run April to April). Is this something I can do? I have arranged to take my current 10 months off with the pay spread evenly, so would I be able to just take the other 2 months unpaid? My manager can be difficult sometimes so trying to gauge if this is likely to be accepted or not first. Also how is the best way to approach this as there has been no communication with my workplace since leaving for maternity leave, email my manager? I know it’s still early days but trying to plan in advance.

You can request to extend up to the 52 weeks yes, just make sure you give the right amount of notice to change the date x

Thanks. Do you know if they are able to reject the request or not?

You’re legally entitled to 52 weeks so that part it’s a request really, it’s just you telling them.

The annual leave they could say no & that business need means not doable at that time but thats the same either way.

I can definitely see that being something my manager like be awkward over but holidays must be taken by end of financial year which will be end of April anyway so there really wouldn’t be anywhere else I could use them up other than on the end. Do you think an email to my manager would suffice?

I would email your HR contact and your manager.
you are legally entitled to 12 months off, and only need to notify them if you take shorter.

they could say no to the holiday though which then might put you in the same position?