Returning to work early after maternity leave

[gemmypostie]

Hi there,

I'm currently on maternity leave, I applied to have a year off so due to return in February.

I'd like to return early, ideally the first week in January. However, I'd like to use my accrued annual leave prior to this which will be 4 weeks and 5 bank holiday days.

The question is, as the annual leave will be over Christmas pressure, is this grounds not to grant it, or should it be granted providing I give the 8 weeks notice required?

Thank you in advance xx