Holiday as first part of maternity leave

[wedge5]

Hi,

I am due on the 5th December. I work full time, but I am only entitled to statuatory leave and pay. Most years we don't have to work over xmas, so I don't want to waste my maternity leave and pay on time I would get off anyway. Am I allowed to book the first 3 weeks of December as holiday and the first week of January. Then start my maternity leave and pay in January?

Is it a legal thing or up to my employer?

Thanks

You cannot defer the start of your maternity leave beyond the day of the birth of your baby. It's a legal thing, and you employer has no discretion. Sorry.

What scaveola said is correct although my employer let me take annual leave I was due at the end of my mat leave instead.