How to make a request
You must put a flexible working request in writing, and your employer should talk to you before making a decision.
What to include in your request
Your request letter or email must say you're making a 'statutory flexible working request'.
You must also include:
- the date you're sending it
- the change you'd like to make
- when you'd like the change to start
- how you or your employer might deal with any effects the change could have on your work or the organisation
- the date of any previous flexible working requests, if you've made any
It can also help to include:
- any benefits that the change could have to your work or the business – for example, cost saving or doing shift times that others prefer not to do
- any benefits to people you work with – for example, if someone else would like a job share too
Use our flexible working request letter template
Discussing the request
Your employer should set up a meeting to talk about your request before making a decision.
If you go to a meeting, it can help to talk about:
- the reasons you want the change
- how any problems with making the change might be dealt with
- any other options you might consider if the change is not possible
Bringing someone to the meeting
You can ask your employer if you can bring someone to a flexible working request meeting, for example someone you work with or a trade union representative.
There is no legal right to bring someone, so it's up to your employer to agree.
Once your employer makes a decision
Once your employer has reviewed your request, they must let you know their decision. It's a good idea to ask for the decision in writing.
They must make a decision within a maximum of 3 months of you making your request.
If you do not get a decision within 3 months, you should raise the issue with your employer. Find out how to raise a problem at work.