Another question. Can I change my planned return date from maternity leave if they've not acknowledged my original letter?

[TwinkleInSantasEye]

Sorry to be a pain folks.

I beleive that so long as you give 28 days notice of the change (i.e. you weren't due to go back within 28 days - or your new plans don't involve going back within 28 days) you can do whatever you want.

I initially advised my employer that i would return 6 weeks after the birth of my child unless there were any complications. (am i dumb or what!)
Anyway, i had an Emergency CS and decided i needed longer...so i took a few months.... then a bit more and in the end took the full 6 months.
As 'slightlymadsanta' said you have to give them notice, but i'm sure you can change.

Do you have proof of posting of the letter? Or a copy? YOu should be okay anyway, but if you do it would probably help. If not and they say that you can't change it because they didn't get the original letter, you could call their bluff and say 'I might have proof of postage and a copy of the letter, let me check at home'.

No, but I know they received it because I spoke to Personnel today. I also e-mailed a copy twice. It was getting on for three weeks ago and I am extremely annoyed as I was requesting a meeting to discuss flexible working. The date I originally gave was on Monday (!) but to take annual leave until 8 or 15 January.

From what you've all said the 28 day rule would prevent me from changing the date under normal circumstances. It's just that I'm so angry with them at the way they've treated me throughout my (difficult) pregnancy that I'm on the verge of telling them to stuff it (hence my other thread). I thought that a halfway house might be to change my mind and take my full leave entitlement (until June) and see how I get on finding another job. I figured that since they've not actually agreed to my first date yet I might be within my rights to change it??