Changing date of return to work with less than 8 weeks notice

[Chattanoonoo]

I am due back in the office on 13th December when DS2 will be nearly 9 months old but have recently started feeling that this is too soon and that I may want to take another month or two. I have verbally agreed the return date with my employer but they have yet to send a formal letter although it has been confirmed over email. If I wanted to, could I now change the date to later, e.g. Jan 2011 despite there now being less than 8 weeks until 13th Dec when I am due to return?

Phone them up and discuss it with them.

Technically they could say no, but they probably wouldn't. You need to speak to your manager though.

As it's so close to Christmas I'm sure another month won't make a huge difference. I'd give them a ring then get it in writing.