Quick question about maternity leave length!

[CountingDownToML]

Starting ML at the end of this month. Not sure yet if I'll be take 9 months, or 12 months. It will all depend on our financial situation as the time goes on.

Am I right in thinking that I need to give 8 weeks notice to change the length of time I want off? I'll be giving my employer a heads up that's I'm not sure how long I'll be off yet, but just checking that I'll be ok to get in touch 8 weeks before my 9 month return date to tell them I intend to extend it?

Thanks

Ask them for their maternity leave policy it should say in there.

I did it the other way and took the maximum then came back early. I think that tends to go down better than extending it.

Have you told them you would return after 9 months? If not, they should assume you will be off for 12 months. If you want to return earlier/change the date then you need to give 8 weeks notice

As the PPs said. I too requested the whole 12 months off + holiday at the end of it and gave 8 weeks notice to shorten the time to 10 months. No issues.

Speak to your employer. Mine said to just let them know when I want to come back and we will work it out between us, otherwise they assume I'm off for 52 weeks. Think I gave them 4 weeks notice (then asked a week before I was due back if I could extended it for an extra week).

Ok that's very helpful I'll say I'll be taking 12 months and then give 8 weeks notice to go back early.

Are they allowed to refuse the earlier start date if I give them the correct notice?

I don't believe so, assuming you give the correct notice.

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/rights-at-work/parental-rights/maternity-leave-your-options-when-it-ends/