thanks ladies, really appriciate all the advice xx

you are in your rights to cancel his/her request as long as you have given notice and the a/l authorised

double check... I had to use mine before, every employer is different, but also don't push yourself! pregnancy is exhausting at this stage... iv had to take sick days because I'm working pretty much right up to a week before my due date, but I'm over exhausted even now... don't push yourself too hard and if you feel they are asking too much of you, stand up for yourself and baby :) x

No you don't need to use it before, you can add it on to the end. And if you return part time, that will work to your advantage (full time annual leave hours to cover part time hours - more days off) they can't ask you to change your maternity leave start date but they can allow/disallow annual leave at their discretion and convenience

If you do work through your annual leave they have to pay you to do so. basically double pay because your working the hours and not getting the holiday you've earned (if you get paid holiday anyway)

If your company is anything like mine you should be able to find the procedures online. read it before you go into any meeting with them so they can't try yelling you rubbish x

@alison222, gosh i feel like such a walk over! they even had the cheek to ask me to do saturday overtimes! Ill just have to put my foot down and say no

They can ask you to but they can't make you. Only if you agree to it. I'd say no sorry I need this time to relax and get ready for my baby. my employer sat me down and went through all this with me and told me what I'm entitled to x