Advise Needing Asap!

[Jules]

I have just had an email from HR at work and they have asked when i want maternity leave to start and for how long and they want my prompt response!

I am only 14 weeks 3 days how do i now how i will feel at back end of pregnancy?!? i might feel great and want to stay until a week or two until the end or i might feel crap and want to finish two months beforehand!

officially when do i need to tell them dates etc? i got a feeling this is going to kick up a bit of fuss! i am going to speak to my boss when he is out of his meeting

 

[anita665]

I can't remember exactly but it's not till beyond 20 weeks.

 

[Louisa K]

I didnt think you were given your Matb1 form until you were over 20 weeks which then entitles you to maternity leave.. Its well early for them to ask you to make a decision on a date now.. If you have to, then make sure you an adjust the date later... I know I can adjust my date, but with 28 days notice, which is pretty long..

 

[Serene123]

You don't have to tell them untill 15 weeks before your due date at the latest

 

[Jules]

I have just replied that, providing i am not ill or anything i would like my maternity leave to commence 2 weeks before expected childbirth date and that i would also like to take two weeks annual leave before i go off on maternity leave. So in effect i am off a month beforehand.

That really annoyed me them being pushy! Not everything always goes to plan does it!

 

[Linzi]

I know what you mean, no one here has pushed me for a date yet (I think theyre hoping I dont go on leave!) but Im struggling to work out when to go. I dont want to be struggling at work, but I dont want to be bored at home! So I dont know!

They definately should give you a bit longer though to make your decision

xxx

 

[Redhorse xxx]

Believe me girls, If my first pregnancy was anything to go by, I was so knackered at the end of it. I was sleeping for 12 hours on and off all day. I have opted to take two weeks annual leave and two weeks before hand too.

I don't know anyone who has worked until their due date either, I personally would have found it impossible...

Good luck, whatever you decide.

Redhorse xxxx

 

[supernurse]

That's ridiculous that their pushing you to tell them this early.
You do not have to give anything in writing no more than 15 weeks before due date which is still another 10 weeks away for you.

Did you not get a maternity pack or information from HR?

 

[Wobbles]

I don't even think them asking you is legal ....

One of the reasons it is not something you do now or should be pushed into by employer is because sadly should anything happen to bean you would not be entitled to maternity leave if its before 24 weeks! I think you have until the 28th week to hand your MATB1 in and they can't and shouldn't push about it before hand!

 

[VanWest]

I have no other choice but to work up intill it, unless Im put on it earlier. My HR said to not even contact them till the end of Feb, thats when I'll start my paperwork. I'll be 35 weeks by then

 

[Wobbles]

Erm and why have they said that? How long have you worked for the company. You can take your MAT leave as early as the LAW lets you not your HRs decision!