Hi! I am currently 25 weeks pregnant and have told my manager I’m due to go on maternity from 2/08/2026. I’m due 16th August 2026. I am wanting to take 12 months off due to the timing of nursery funding, when my little girl will be 9 months she won’t get funding until 1st September. My dept is the HO and from 1st July we get 9 months full pay ( can’t complain) which takes me to 2/05/2027. I’ve asked if I can tag my annual leave I have accured this leave year 26/27 which is 140hrs ( works out about 3 weeks) of AL. However, I’ve been advised that I cannot rely on my annual leave due to utilisation of the dept and other people on my team taking AL. I have spoken with my manager and asked if I can take AL then unpaid to which she replied ‘ no that’s not allowed.’ I told her I’d most likely come back part time and work 4 days (32 hrs a week) but I will need to let her know if I’m returning may 27 or after my AL ( if approved) in June because the AL I accrue and are entitled to will completely change. I’m really stressed and and upset about the whole situation and dread logging on because I don’t want to have the conversation as no matter what I suggest it’s just a wall up. I have got in touch with HR and waiting for a response from them. I’ve also asked for advice from people I work with who have had children and gone on maternity and they have never had a problem with tagging their AL onto the end of their maternity so I’m confused why it’s such a big issue for me. Any advice or help would be much appreciated :)
u/Key-Tradition7024
Hi! I am currently 25 weeks pregnant and have told my manager I’m due to go on maternity from 2/08/2026. I’m due 16th August 2026. I am wanting to take 12 months off due to the timing of nursery funding, when my little girl will be 9 months she won’t get funding until 1st September. My dept is the HO and from 1st July we get 9 months full pay ( can’t complain) which takes me to 2/05/2027. I’ve asked if I can tag my annual leave I have accured this leave year 26/27 which is 140hrs ( works out about 3 weeks) of AL. However, I’ve been advised that I cannot rely on my annual leave due to utilisation of the dept and other people on my team taking AL. I have spoken with my manager and asked if I can take AL then unpaid to which she replied ‘ no that’s not allowed.’ I told her I’d most likely come back part time and work 4 days (32 hrs a week) but I will need to let her know if I’m returning may 27 or after my AL ( if approved) in June because the AL I accrue and are entitled to will completely change. I’m really stressed and and upset about the whole situation and dread logging on because I don’t want to have the conversation as no matter what I suggest it’s just a wall up. I have got in touch with HR and waiting for a response from them. I’ve also asked for advice from people I work with who have had children and gone on maternity and they have never had a problem with tagging their AL onto the end of their maternity so I’m confused why it’s such a big issue for me. Any advice or help would be much appreciated :)
UPDATE:
I also asked my manager if I can use some of next years AL for leave year 27/28 to which she said it depends on utilisation and whether I come back part or full time. Is this right? This is my first pregnancy and no idea what I’m allowed to take or do for maternity leave.