extending maternity leave

[Hayls]

Hi. I'm due back at work on 7th July and really don't want to go back. I know I'm entitled to a further 26 weeks unpaid maternity leave- can someone tell me how much notice I have to give that I'm not going back in July? AND HOW MUCH NOTICE THEY NEED WHEN i DO WANT TO COME BACK? (oops caps lock on)
Finally, what rights do I have whilst off- must they keep the same job open for me?

TIA

IIRC, in the first 26 weeks of mat leave they have to give you your old job back, but in the the 2nd 26, they only have to give you the same or similar. You have to give 4 weeks notice for going back but I don't know about notice for staying off, I told mine from the start that I'd be taking the whole year.

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If you have a car allowance, you get this during your OML but not AML.

BR

I think it is one months notice of return or not, although I went in for a discussion prior to this and we still had not resolved it by the time I was due back. iirc You lose all your benefits in kind for the extended period too, unless this has changed recently, and certainly a few years ago they were not obliged to keep my particular job open (although it was company policy that they did), but think they have to offer you something comparable at the end. You can't easily work anywhere else in the meantime either as you are still on their payroll and don't get a P45.

Thanks. Does this mean that I can't take on another pt job at night (so dh can do childcare?)
P.S. I should be so lucky to get any benefits or perks!