Telling work I'm extending my maternity leave?

[ASD123456]

Hello,

I need to inform work that I won't be returning after christmas which is what they think I'm doing now, I want to extend my leave so that I take the full SMP. How do I inform them of this, do I just write an informal e-mail? Or does it need to be a more forml letter? Also, if I decided not to go back, when do I need to inform the of this? I only got standard SMP so would I need to pay anything back?

Alex xxx

 

[daftscotslass]

Not entirely sure about the pay situation but with my work it was more of an informal state when I'll be back type arrangement. I told them October originally but then told my boss during the summer I wouldn't be back until January. The only "official" thing I've had to do (that I can do up to 28 days before I go back) is to officially state the date I will return to work. I would ask your HR department or boss what they require.