Maternity leave - returning to work.

angel85

Hi all,
Firstly I apologise if this thread is in the wrong forum but I couldn't find where else I could post so though employment best.....
I am due to return to work following a 9 month maternity leave although I'm aware it is possible to take a leave of 12 months.
I spoke with my boss and gave a verbal date of my return, which is fast approaching in the next few weeks.
Due to unforeseen circumstances and family issues I am now unable to return after the 9 months but want to extend to the 12 months.
Is this pretty straight forward in just advising my employer of my intentions? Is it possible they could refuse this?
I know by law you are entitled to take 52 weeks maternity leave but my concern is that we already had a conversation where I gave a verbal date for return.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thank you.

Kynthia

My work's maternity policy is that you have to give 8 weeks notice to change your return to work date. So if you are wanting to change your date with less notice than the policy requires then you aren't entitled to do so and will be relying on their good will. I believe they can insist you return on the date agreed otherwise

sangie595

This is also the legal position. Unless the employer agrees to you changing the return date or you can give eight weeks notice, failure to return would be a breach of contract. That doesn't mean that the employer will be awkward about the change - but equally they will have arrangements to put in place for your return which cannot simply be chopped and changed. You will have to ask them.

angel85

Thanks all.
My request was accepted.

angel85