Calculating annual leave with new working pattern

[Hazelmond]

When calculating use of annual leave to extend maternity leave, should employers use the pre-mat leave working pattern or return to work pattern?

I have made a flexible working request to change my working hours from 4 to 3 days, which has been verbally approved and is now being formalised. I have also been discussing with HR how I might use my accrued annual leave, which is 50 days to use between returning to work in June and end of the holiday year in March.

They are keen that I use as much as possible to extend my leave rather than take long holidays when I’m back.

They have suggested extending my leave by 8 weeks and are saying this uses up 32 days, but if I’m shifting to 3 days a week wouldn’t it use up 24?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

You'd be paid for 4 days a week under their scheme. Then 3 days from when leave all used up.

Ah yes, that's right. Technically your working pattern doesn't change till you physically go back, if you do it that way.

Got it, thank you both!

You should get paid for more hours when you’re on leave for more days and then move to the new pay and pattern when you return - at least that’s how my staff member doing the same is getting