Can I change my mat leave date while on furlough?

[erised13]

My due date is July 20th, had planned to go on mat leave at 36 weeks as I work in retail and would be hard which starts June 25th. I have been furloughed and it doesn't look like I'm going back anytime soon so would like to move my mat leave date back to around 38 weeks instead so I can possibly get more time with my baby. Can I pick and choose my mat leave date like this?

I think its 28 days notice to change start date and its 8 weeks notice to change the end date

Definitely worth asking your employer. I was due to start maternity leave at 38 weeks on June 1st but as I'm on furlough they've agreed to keep me as I am and just start maternity leave the day the baby comes. It's great for me as it will give me extra time off with the baby, and financially it will help too. It doesn't really make a difference to your employer to keep you on furlough a bit longer as it's no cost to them so definitely worth an ask!