Unpaid maternity leave entitlements.

My employers have told me that I must apply for unpaid maternity leave - I understood that this was an entitlement , not subject to employers' agreement.
I have also been told that bank holidays are not added on at the end of the 16 weeks unpaid leave, as they would be with paid maternity leave. Does anybody know if this is accurate?

(One possible relevant factor is that I work a four day week, I don't work Mondays which is most bank holidays).
Thanks

CitizensInformation - Maternity leave

Notice: You must give your employer at least 4 weeks' written notice of your intention to take maternity leave and you must also provide your employer with a medical certificate confirming the pregnancy. If you intend to take the additional 16 weeks’ maternity leave you must provide your employer with at least 4 weeks' written notice. Both these notices can be given at the same time.

Click to expand...

"Public holidays and annual leave

You are entitled to leave for any public holidays that occur during your maternity leave (including additional maternity leave)."

Regarding the public holidays, your employer is wrong - see above extract from Citizens information.

Thanks a mill for that info, I'll go armed with this knowledge to my employer. Cheers for Citizens Information reference.